Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Rasheem “Coop” Sullivan, 31, of Rochester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearm, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who is handling the case, stated that Sullivan is a member of the nationally recognized Bloods Gang, and the self-proclaimed leader of a local subset known as the Immortal Stone Gorilla Gang. In December 2022, following a lengthy investigation into narcotics trafficking, weapons possession and associated violence, Sullivan and several of his fellow Blood Gang members were arrested. On Dec. 14, 2022, several locations associated with Sullivan’s enterprise were searched, during which investigators recovered narcotics, cash and numerous firearms. Inside Sullivan’s residence, a Glock 10 mm pistol loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition was recovered.

The investigation began in the aftermath of the murder of Rochester Police Department Investigator Anthony Mazurkewicz and the assault of Investigator Sino Seng in July 2022. It's alleged that individuals associated with Sullivan were engaged in a violent feud with another group led by Brandon “B-Mack” Washington. In September 2022, Washington and several associates were charged with federal drug and weapons offenses.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 21 before Judge Geraci.

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