United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tavares Wilson, 41, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that between November 2020, and October 26, 2021, Wilson conspired with others to sell cocaine. Wilson obtained kilogram quantities of cocaine, which he then broke down into smaller quantities and re-sold. On October 26, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Wilson’s residence on Genesee Park Boulevard, seizing approximately 642 grams of cocaine and drug trafficking paraphernalia, including a digital scale with cocaine residue, plastic baggies, and cutting agent. Investigators also found approximately $6,594 in cash, which were proceeds from Wilson’s drug trafficking activities.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci.