Rochester Man Pleads Guilty To His Role In Cocaine Conspiracy

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jonathan Torres, 41, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that between April and November 28, 2018, the defendant conspired with others to sell fentanyl and cocaine in the area of Wilkins Street in Rochester. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Torres supplied fentanyl and cocaine to individuals who would then distribute the drugs to customers in the Wilkins Street area. The defendant also acted as a supervisor by monitoring the quantities of fentanyl and cocaine sold, directing the sales by others, re-supplying street-level workers, and supervising street-level workers who sold the drugs. At least one of the street-level workers was less than 18 years old. Torres used his Raines Park residence to store, package, and manufacture the fentanyl and cocaine for sale. 

The plea is the result of an investigation by New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Lyon; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito; and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Larimer.

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