Former Public Defender Pleads Guilty To Gun Charge

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Adam Rissew, 39, a former Monroe County Public Defender currently of Rochester, NY, formerly of Medina, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking before U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The charge carries a mandatory prison term of five years and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony M. Bruce, who is handling the case, stated that on July 20, 2012, Medina police officers and members of the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force searched Rissew’s then-residence at 305 Catherine Street in the Village of Medina. Officers found and seized in excess of fifty marijuana plants, paraphernalia related to the grow operation, numerous firearms and 684 rounds of various types of ammunition.  Among the firearms found and seized was a loaded Glock 9mm semi automatic pistol that was secreted between Rissew’s mattress and box springs. During his plea Rissew admitted he used the pistol to protect his marijuana grow operation.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Medina Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jose Avila, officers of the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, under the direction of Chief Investigator Joseph Sacco, and Orleans County District Attorney Joseph Cardone.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 25, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Skretny.