Two Rochester men, Michael Wyatt, 38, and Andre Cunningham, 25, have pleaded guilty to leading a significant drug trafficking organization in the Rochester, New York area. According to the plea, the duo conspired to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and heroin.
The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and an $8,000,000 fine for Wyatt, while Cunningham faces a minimum penalty of 5 years imprisonment, a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath stated that Wyatt and Cunningham were the leaders of a drug trafficking organization that distributed significant quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine base throughout the Rochester area. Wyatt would obtain bulk quantities of the controlled substances from various suppliers.
After obtaining bulk quantities of the aforementioned drugs, Wyatt and Cunningham supervised and directed the distribution and sale of those controlled substances to individual drug users, at various drug houses maintained for that purpose in the City of Rochester. The locations of the drug houses included 218 Emerson Street, Rochester, New York and 131 Saratoga Avenue, Rochester, New York.
The investigation into the drug trafficking organization was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd K. Baxter; and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron D. Singletary.
Sentencing is scheduled before Chief Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. for August 5, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. for Michael Wyatt, and 3 p.m. for Andre Cunningham.
The plea is a significant blow to the drug trafficking organization and a major victory for law enforcement in the fight against opioid trafficking in the Rochester area. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on sentencing and any further developments.
For more information, contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 or fax (716) 551-3051.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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