Winifredo Gonzales, Cocaine and Crack Cocaine Distribution, NY 2024

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Winifredo Gonzales, a/k/a Fred, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for his role in a drug conspiracy that involved the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine. The 44-year-old Brooklyn native was also ordered to forfeit three firearms, over 100 rounds of ammunition, and $78,603 in U.S. currency.

Gonzales was convicted along with Edward Mighty, leader of a Rochester-based drug trafficking organization, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine. Gonzales supplied large quantities of cocaine to Mighty, who then re-packaged and distributed the drugs.

The investigation that led to Gonzales’ arrest began when law enforcement monitored a vehicle transporting kilograms of cocaine from Brooklyn to Rochester. Agents found 17 kilograms of cocaine in a hydraulic compartment behind a wall, along with two handguns and approximately $70,000 in cash.

Agents also executed search warrants at 54 Strong Street in Rochester, where they found one kilogram of cocaine in the car and a semi-automatic handgun loaded with live ammunition. The organization’s activities were extensive, serving as a hub for numerous cocaine distributors in the area.

Gonzales was arrested in February 2015 along with seven other individuals. Today’s sentencing is part of a joint federal and state investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Rochester Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.

Of the nine individuals charged in the case, Gonzales and one other have been convicted. Charges are pending against the remaining seven defendants. The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.