Charles Fitzgerald, Possession with Intent to Distribute, New York 2012

Charles Fitzgerald, 39, of Rochester, New York, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute. Fitzgerald was found guilty of possessing synthetic controlled substances and synthetic controlled substance analogues at his residence in Rochester and one of his stores, the 420 Emporium located in Batavia, New York.

As part of his plea agreement, Fitzgerald will forfeit $771,109 in United States currency that was seized during the execution of a search warrant at his residence on July 25, 2012. Co-defendant Amber Snover was also convicted and will be sentenced on June 23, 2015. Three employees of Fitzgerald's, who worked at the 420 Emporium stores located in Batavia and Henrietta, New York, have also been convicted in this case and are awaiting sentencing.

The investigation into Fitzgerald's activities was led by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, and the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Major David Krause.

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced the sentencing of Fitzgerald, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Noto, who handled the case, stated that Fitzgerald admitted to possessing the substances with intent to distribute. Fitzgerald's sentencing is the culmination of an investigation that began on July 25, 2012.

Charles Fitzgerald's sentence is a significant blow to the Rochester community, where his activities have caused harm to many. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

For more information, contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 or fax (716) 551-3051.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/former-store-owner-sentenced-drug-charge