SYRACUSE – Four Syracuse individuals are under arrest in connection with a nationwide investigation known as "Project Coronado," which targeted the entire cocaine distribution network of the La Familia Mexican drug cartel.  Arrests were also reported in New York City, as part of the same investigation.

Each of the individuals arrested in Syracuse are alleged to have sold crack cocaine locally and thus were at the end of the cocaine supply chain. 

Maurice Kearse, 29; Phillip Smith, 28; and Patrick Manzi, 34, have all been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  Each faces sentences ranging from at least ten years up to life in prison, up to a $4 million fine and at least five years of supervised release following any period of incarceration.   

Henry Kearse, 31, has been charged with three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  For each count, he faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release following any period of incarceration. 

A fifth defendant, Aaron Brown, 27, who has been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, remains a fugitive at this time.  Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to call the United States Marshal's Fugitive Task Force in Syracuse at 473-7625.  A reward may be given for information leading to the arrest of Brown.