Ringleader And Five Members Of Rochester Drug Trafficking Organization Charged With Narcotics Conspiracy

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that six Rochester men were charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, at least 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, and at least 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, as well as a $10,000,000 fine. Named in the complaint are:

• Jason Siplin a/k/a J, 44;
• Jason Siplin, Jr. a/k/a Mush, 27;
• Ernest Gamble a/k/a Dred, 19;
• Lytrice Jackson a/k/a Storm, 31;
• Timothy Granison, 42; and
• Dkeidron Dublin, 39.

Defendant Dkeidron Dublin is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life, which must be served consecutive to any penalty imposed on the drug conspiracy charge.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET) has been investigating a drug trafficking organization led by Jason Siplin. The investigation revealed that since at least August 2020, the drug trafficking organization was distributing large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine in the City of Rochester and the surrounding areas. Jason Siplin regularly obtained large quantities of cocaine that he in turned used to supply a drug house located at 230 Glenwood Avenue in Rochester, from which cocaine and crack cocaine were sold to individual drug users. Siplin had one or more storage locations for narcotics and United States currency. At least one of those storage locations was 62 Clifton Street in Rochester, and the 230 Glenwood Avenue was regularly supplied with crack cocaine stored at 62 Clifton Street.

The drug trafficking organization included a number of members who fulfilled various roles in furtherance of Siplin's narcotics trafficking activities. Siplin obtained bulk quantities of cocaine, which would then be cooked or transformed into crack cocaine by another member. The crack cocaine was then broken down into individual units and bagged for street sale. Members also staffed the aforementioned drug house at 230 Glenwood Avenue. Siplin's workers included his son, Jason Siplin, Jr. Ernest Gamble and Lytrice Jackson, who were among a number of individuals who packaged drugs for street sale and conducted hand-to-hand drug transactions out of 230 Glenwood Avenue. The investigation determined that roughly 40 to 50 drug transactions were conducted each day out of 230 Glenwood Avenue. Investigators also believe that Jason Siplin supplied bulk quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine to other drug dealers, including Timothy Granison, which Granison, in turn, distributed to other narcotics traffickers, including Dkeidron Dublin.

On May 19, 2021, defendants Granison and Dublin were detained after investigators observed a suspected drug deal at 5 Birch Crescent in Rochester. A '31' or a bag of cocaine equaling approximately 31 grams was found wrapped in a paper towel on the floor of Granison's vehicle. Dublin was found in possession of approximately $1,241.00 in U.S. currency. During the execution of a search warrant of 5 Birch Crescent, which is believed to be the residence of Dkeidron Dublin, investigators recovered a quantity of crack cocaine, a razor blade, a scale and numerous new and unused plastic baggies commonly used to package narcotics. Approximately $400.00 in U.S. currency and .22 caliber semiautomatic pistol and ammunition were also recovered. A search warrant was also executed at Granison's residence at 93 Woodman Park in Rochester.

Also on May 19, 2021, in addition to executing search warrants at the Birch Crescent and Woodman Park residences, search warrants were also executed at four additional premises, including the stash house and drug house located at 62 Clifton Street in Rochester, and 230 Glenwood Avenue in Rochester, respectively. During the search of 62 Clifton Street, investigators recovered quantities of bulk cocaine and crack cocaine, four boxes of baking soda, three digital scales, new and unused small plastic baggies, and beakers and other paraphernalia associated with cooking crack cocaine. During the search of 230 Glenwood Avenue, investigators encountered defendants Ernest Gamble and Lytrice Jackson, among others. It appeared that individuals inside the residence were in the process of flushing narcotics down an upstairs toilet. Over 80 small plastic baggies containing crack cocaine were recovered from the toilet bowl. During the search, quantities of crack cocaine were recovered along with walkie-talkies, a closed-circuit television system and DVR, digital scales, and approximately $10,888.00 in U.S. currency. Ernest Gamble had approximately $5,470.00 in U.S. currency on his person when taken into custody.

On that date, search warrants were also executed at 2013 Norton Street in Rochester, the residence of Jason Siplin, Jr., and 14 Elwood Drive in Rochester, the residence of Jason Siplin. As agents were preparing to execute the search warrant, Siplin, Jr. left the residence and began driving away. Law enforcement officers stopped him as he drove away and located approximately $62,581.00 in U.S. currency inside of Siplin Jr.'s vehicle. Another $300.00 in U.S. currency was recovered on Siplin, Jr.'s person, along with individually packaged baggies of cocaine. Another 8.5 grams of cocaine were found in the vehicle. During the search of the residence, investigators recovered a quantity of cocaine, new and unused plastic baggies, and numerous cellular phones. A search warrant was also executed that same night at 14 Elwood Drive, and a digital scale with white residue, baggies, and a small amount of crack cocaine were recovered along with $62,593.00 in U.S. currency.

During the execution of the six search warrants, investigators seized more than 1 kilogram of cocaine and more than a ½ kilogram of crack cocaine.
Defendants Jason Siplin, Jason Siplin, Jr., Ernest Gamble, and Dkeidron Dublin made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Mark W. Pedersen and were detained. Defendant

Timothy Granison made an initial appearance and was released on conditions.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, under the direction of Lieutenant Robert Hill; and the Monroe County District Attorney's Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley. Additional assistance was provided by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and Customs and Border Protection.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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