MAN ACCUSED OF CONSPIRING TO ROB DRUG DEALERS

ROCHESTER-- U.S. Attorney Terrance P. Flynn announced Friday a
two-count indictment of Ivan Leon, 22, of Rochester, charging him with
conspiracy to rob drug dealers.

Appearing at the federal court building in handcuffs Friday afternoon,
Leon did not enter a plea because his court date was moved to Tuesday.
Charles F. Crimi Jr., who is representing Leon, said some matters had
risen that he wanted to talk about with his client and the government.
He would not divulge any specifics.

Leon said a couple of words to his family while being taken away.
Family members, who sat at the back of the courtroom, were present but
they had no comment.

Leon was charged under a federal statute called the Hobbs Act. The act
makes it illegal to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery.

Leon is accused of conspiring to steal from drug dealers who were
believed to be involved in the sale of heroin, cocaine and cocaine
base in a period from January 2006 through June 2006.

The first count carries a 20-year maximum prison term, a fine of
$250,000, or both. The second count carries a five-year minimum to
life maximum prison term, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Leon is also charged with using, carrying and possessing a
firearm.

The indictment was the culmination of a joint federal and state
investigation, including agents and officers from the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement
Administration, the Rochester Police Department and the New York State
Parole Office.