Rochester drug trafficker going to prison for more than 10 years

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Reinaldo Suarez aka Popeye, 54, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

According to the plea agreement, between March 1 and June 26, 2024, Suarez conspired with others to sell cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine throughout the Rochester area and elsewhere. He obtained bulk quantities from various co-conspirators and then distributed them to others. Suarez used an automobile bay on Avis Street in Rochester to meet with other drug dealers and engage in various narcotics trafficking activities.

On June 26, 2024, investigators executed multiple search warrants, including one at Suarez's Knickerbocker Avenue residence and the Avis Street auto bay. They seized a loaded shotgun, ammunition, approximately 1,100 grams of fentanyl, approximately 120 grams of methamphetamine, approximately six grams of cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. In addition, during the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately fourkilograms of cocaine and approximately 498 grams of fentanyl.

Suarez has one prior felony conviction in Federal Court and four prior felonies in New York State Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Cirencione, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.

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