ROCHESTER BROTHERS AND GYM OWNERS CHARGED WITH COCAINE CONSPIRACY

ROCHESTER, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joel Rucci, 38, and Andy Rucci, 41, both of Rochester, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $20,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marsella, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2025, the New York State Police began investigating the narcotics trafficking activities of Andy Rucci. Investigators learned that Andy Rucci distributes large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl in the Rochester area, and that his brother, Joel, is his narcotics trafficking partner. The brothers own and operate Vivus Fitness on Culver Road in Rochester. The investigation included multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Andy Rucci.

On November 21, 2025, the New York State Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by Joel Rucci on Interstate 490 in Pittsford, NY, and recovered six kilogram-sized bricks of cocaine from the vehicle. A search warrant was also executed at a Mathews Street residence tied to the brothers, during which investigators seized quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, ketamine, MDMA pills, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $25,339 in cash.

Andy Rucci was previously convicted in Federal Court in 2007 on drug and gun charges. Joel Rucci was previously convicted on a drug charge in New York State Court. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

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