DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Western District of New York

For Immediate Release

Friday, April 24, 2015
William J. Hochul, Jr.
, United States Attorney
Contact: Barbara Burns

MDB Gang Member Pleads Guilty To Drug And Weapons Charges

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Jacob Rivera, a/k/a “JJ,” 20, of Rochester, N.Y., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activities Before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The drug charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, or both. The gun charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, which must be served in addition to the sentence Rivera receives on the drug charge.

“Today’s development is the result of law enforcement tracking down and prosecuting gangs that attempt to fill the streets of our community with illegal narcotics and violence" said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “But we also need the public to partner with us. As we often say, ‘if you see something, say something so that those of us in law enforcement can do something.’”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who is handling the case, stated that Rivera was part of a violent, street level drug trafficking organization that referred to themselves as “M.D.B.” or “The Broezel Boys.” From 2010 until June 2013, members and associates of M.D.B. controlled the open air drug market in a multi block area near the intersection of Dewey and Lexington Avenues, including all of Broezel Street, the north end of Maryland Street, portions of Driving Park and portions of Lakeview Park, in Rochester. M.D.B. members and associates also maintained and operated several drug houses at locations in Rochester including the duplex residence at 325/327 Lexington Avenue, the upstairs apartment at 171 Maryland Street, the upstairs apartment at 316 Lakeview Park and 672 West Main Street, each for the purpose of possessing, manufacturing, distributing, and using controlled substances.

In his plea before the court, Rivera admitted that he possessed firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities and that he used violence and threats of violence against unaffiliated persons who attempted to sell illegal controlled substances within their territory and against certain witnesses who were viewed as hostile to the interests of M.D.B.

Rivera was arrested in June 2013 along with two other defendants.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Cannon, New York Field Office, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Michael Ciminelli, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian P. Boetig, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Jamie J. Hunt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division. 

Sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci.

                                                            # # # #

New York Field Division