Joseph Weathers, Gun and Drug Charges, New York 2021

Rochester, New York man, Joseph Weathers, III, 29, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Weathers was convicted of weapons and robbery charges in February 2013 and June 2014 in Monroe County Court, making him legally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition. On July 17, 2021, Rochester Police Officers responded to a call of shots fired in the area of 9 Lime Street and encountered Weathers at the top of the stairs of the residence.

After securing the location, officers executed a search warrant and recovered a 9mm pistol, a loaded magazine, and loose ammunition. The firearm was reported stolen in September 2020 from Gates, NY. Additionally, officers recovered approximately 10.6 grams of fentanyl, 4.2 grams of cocaine, 55.6 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately $537 in United States currency.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David Smith, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.

The case was brought by the U.S. Attorney's Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is the centerpiece of the federal government's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 15, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charges against Weathers include possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/prior-felon-pleads-guilty-gun-and-drug-charges