(WNY News Now) – A Rochester man with prior felony convictions has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving cocaine distribution and illegal firearm possession.

Adonis Wiggins, 49, of Rochester, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.

Wiggins was arrested Oct. 24, 2025, after Rochester police stopped his vehicle on Ringle Street for a suspended registration. Officers reported that Wiggins exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.

A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered eight small bags of cocaine, $700 in cash and a loaded semiautomatic pistol. Police also recovered additional cocaine, marijuana, pills and drug paraphernalia.

According to federal prosecutors, Wiggins has prior felony convictions dating to 2002, 2004, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023. Because of those convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

The investigation was conducted by the Rochester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative focused on addressing violent crime and illegal firearm possession.

Wiggins is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca.