(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. – Edward Rollie, 49, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges in federal court, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced. Rollie admitted to possessing with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, investigators executed search warrants on August 28, 2024, at a Spruce Avenue residence linked to Rollie. Authorities recovered 594 grams of fentanyl, 683 grams of cocaine, and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Rollie, previously convicted of a federal felony drug charge in 2002, is prohibited from possessing firearms. The investigation also included controlled fentanyl purchases from him.
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which targets high-level criminal organizations. The FBI, Niagara Falls Police Department, Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, North Tonawanda Police Department, New York State Police, and Erie County Sheriff’s Department contributed to the investigation.
Rollie awaits sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date.
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