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 Velasquez, 26, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who handled the case, stated that between March and August 2018, the defendant conspired with sell fentanyl. On March 21, 2018, Velasquez distributed fentanyl to an undercover police officer. On June 23, 2018, the defendant was operating a vehicle in the area of 169 Joseph Avenue in Rochester when he was stopped by police. At the time, Velasquez was in possession of approximately 303 bags of fentanyl and approximately $6,820.  

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton; United States Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Wilson; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Randy Bower; and the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Joseph V. Cardone.

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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 Velasquez, 25, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to conspiracy to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant conspired with others to distribute quantities of heroin throughout the Western District of New York. 

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton; United States Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Wilson; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Randy Bower; and the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Joseph V. Cardone.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 5, 2019, at 11:00 p.m. before Judge Larimer.

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