United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, New York Division announced today that  a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Daniel Rodriguez, 37, of North Tonawanda, NY, with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Evan K. Glaberson, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on September 11, 2020, investigators established surveillance at a Center Avenue residence in North Tonawanda. The Town of Tonawanda Police Department had obtained search warrants for the residence, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a body warrant for the defendant, all relating to an ongoing investigation involving an August 2019 homicide in the Town of Tonawanda.

During the course of surveillance, the Jeep Grand Cherokee left the residence with a female driver and a male passenger. Shortly thereafter, a North Tonawanda Police Officer pulled over the vehicle. The passenger in the vehicle was identified as defendant Rodriguez. Town of Tonawanda Detectives arrived on the scene of the traffic stop and notified the defendant about the search warrants. During the search of the vehicle, detectives located and seized a plastic bag in the rear of the vehicle which contained a quantity of narcotics. Initial testing determined the narcotics were cocaine and crack cocaine.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the DEA Buffalo Resident Office, New York Division; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department; and the North Tonawanda Police Department.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.