Michael Oliver, Armed Cocaine Trafficking, New York 2016

ROCHESTER, NY – In a shocking turn of events, Michael Oliver, 26, of Rochester, New York, has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Moynihan, Oliver was involved in a high-speed chase on September 18, 2016, when a Rochester Police officer spotted a 2014 Ford Focus almost strike a bicycle on William Warfield Drive. After conducting a records check, the officer discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen.

The officer approached the parked car, where Oliver was in the driver’s seat, and could smell burnt marijuana. Oliver motioned to a burnt marijuana cigarette located in the center console, and the officer then instructed him to get out of the car. Once out, the officer placed Oliver in handcuffs and found a loaded handgun hanging out of his right pants pocket. A search of Oliver’s car recovered 13 individual glassine bags of cocaine.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

Oliver’s guilty plea marks a significant blow to the Rochester community, which has been plagued by drug-related crimes in recent years. The case highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to combat organized crime.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on sentencing and any other developments. In the meantime, residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Contact: Barbara Burns, (716) 843-5817, (716) 551-3051

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