Edward Rollie, a 49-year-old resident of Niagara Falls, New York, has pleaded guilty to charges related to drug and firearm possession. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Rollie's plea took place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and involved charges of possessing with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. These charges carry penalties ranging from a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch provided details on the case, stating that on August 28, 2024, investigators executed search warrants at a residence on Spruce Avenue in Niagara Falls linked to Rollie. During the search, authorities found approximately 594 grams of fentanyl, around 683 grams of cocaine, and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Rollie had previously been convicted of a federal felony drug charge in July 2002 in the Western District of Pennsylvania and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The investigation into Rollie's activities was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at identifying and dismantling high-level criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among multiple agencies.
The investigation was conducted by several law enforcement bodies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Niagara Falls Police Department led by Commissioner Nick Ligammari; the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff Michael Filicetti; the North Tonawanda Police Department headed by Chief Keith Glass; the New York State Police directed by Major Amie Feroleto; and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff John Garcia.
Sentencing for Edward Rollie will be scheduled at a later date.