ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Robert E. Tillard, 35, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, and to possessing marijuana with intent to distribute it, before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that on Feb. 25, 2017, Rochester Police officers, having observed a traffic violation, attempted to pull over the car Tillard was driving. The defendant eventually stopped the car on Flint Street, where he exited the car and ran. As Tillard ran from the police, he threw a 9mm handgun to the ground. Upon apprehending Tillard, the officers also discovered approximately 56 small plastic baggies of marijuana in his pocket.
In 2008, Tillard was convicted of a drug charge in Monroe County Court. As a result, he is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 26, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. before Chief Judge Geraci. #
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
