(WNY News Now) – ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Three men from the Rochester area face federal drug trafficking charges following an investigation that led to the seizure of nearly 30 kilograms of suspected cocaine, approximately $159,000 in cash and four firearms, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Rodney Stanley, 58, of Greece; Leonardo Gaskin, 36, of West Henrietta; and Shanimba Nelson, 52, of Irondequoit, were arrested and charged in separate criminal complaints alleging their involvement in a cocaine distribution operation.

According to federal authorities, the investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the Rochester Police Department and the Greece Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies.

Investigators allege the organization transported kilogram quantities of cocaine from the New York metropolitan area and Philadelphia to Rochester and Albany for distribution.

Search warrants executed on Oct. 9, 2026, resulted in the following seizures:

• Leonardo Gaskin: Approximately 23 kilograms of suspected cocaine, $4,857 in cash, three cellphones and drug paraphernalia at his residence and in his vehicle. A separate search at a Rochester property allegedly frequented by Gaskin uncovered another 1.9 kilograms of cocaine, two firearms, $84,685 in cash and drug paraphernalia.
• Shanimba Nelson: Approximately 3.677 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 146 grams of suspected crack cocaine, $8,209 in cash, drug paraphernalia and a loaded shotgun at his Irondequoit residence.
• Rodney Stanley: Approximately 1.23 kilograms of cocaine, a loaded pistol and $51,129 in cash at his Greece residence. A separate search at a suspected Rochester stash house allegedly frequented by Stanley uncovered 22 grams of crack cocaine, 229 grams of bulk marijuana, $10,255 in cash and drug paraphernalia.

Federal authorities also allege that investigators observed Stanley entering and leaving the Rochester property and conducting suspected drug transactions in a nearby parking lot.

Gaskin is charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

Nelson faces charges of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Stanley faces the same categories of charges, with the cocaine quantity alleged in his complaint set at 500 grams or more.

The charges carry potential penalties ranging from a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison to life imprisonment, depending on the offense and applicable sentencing provisions.

All three men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen for detention hearings. Gaskin was detained, while Nelson and Stanley were released under court-imposed conditions.

DiGiacomo said the investigation reflects a coordinated effort among federal, state and local agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating across state lines.

DEA officials said the seizures demonstrate the scale of the alleged operation and the potential public safety concerns associated with large-scale cocaine distribution. The FBI also highlighted the role of the Homeland Security Task Force in coordinating investigations involving suspected criminal networks.

The investigation was conducted under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, a federal effort established by Executive Order 14159 to target criminal cartels, transnational criminal organizations and other specified criminal networks.

The DEA, FBI, Rochester and Greece police departments, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police participated in the investigation, along with other federal agencies.

The charges remain allegations. All three defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.