Drug Task Force Investigation Results In Indictments

New York State Attorney General Spitzer, State Police Superintendent James W. McMahon, and Niagara County District Attorney Matthew Murphy today announced that a Niagara County Grand Jury has indicted seven Niagara Falls residents on a 20-count indictment associated with the operation of a large-scale cocaine ring.

Charged under the indictment are: David Misteri, 59; William King, 58; Ronald Graci, 55; Julie Ann Graci, 29; Brenda Bugyi, 39; Teresa Ciccarelli, 46; and Dallas Mort, 27; all of Niagara Falls. The charges, which include Conspiracy, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance stem from a joint, six-month investigation by the New York State Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force, the New York State Police and the Niagara Falls Police Department.

The defendants were arraigned today before Niagara County Court Judge Peter J. Broderick.

The investigation commenced earlier this year with a probe into cocaine sales at two Niagara Falls taverns: the Grand Inn, operated by Ron Graci, a defendant in the indictment; and Rascal's bar, operated by his daughter, Denice Graci. It is alleged that since May 2002, the named defendants collectively possessed and sold cocaine in Niagara and Erie Counties. If convicted of the most serious charges Ron Graci, Misteri and King could face life in state prison; defendants Julie Graci, Bugyi, Ciccarelli, and Mort could face up to 25 years in state prison.

During the course of the investigation, police recovered approximately ten ounces of cocaine with an estimated street value of $35,000. In addition, investigators seized $71,000 in cash.

Evidence developed during the investigation also resulted in 14 additional individuals being arrested and arraigned today: Kenneth Clark, 41; Lynn Clark, 40; Daniel Trane, 42; Michael Lore, 34; Barbara Morgan, 48; Susan Glenn, 29; James Szczerbacki, 52; Clarence Lavigueur, 39; Anthony Adams, 31; Theresa Hankey, 22; Chris Carapezza, 35; and Sheri Kilmer 24, all are residents of Niagara Falls; Keith Stewart, 47, of Lewiston; and Joseph Costanzo, 47, of Wilson.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Deputy Attorney General Patricia I. Carrington of the New York State Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force, Buffalo Office. The investigation was led by Senior Investigator Ronald Vincent of the Organized Crime Task Force, along with Detectives Pat Stack and Joseph Giaquinto of the Niagara Falls Police Department, and Senior Investigator Craig Wing of the New York State Police, C-Net.