Edward Rollie, a 49-year-old resident of Niagara Falls, NY, has entered a guilty plea to charges related to drug distribution and firearm possession. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo in Buffalo, New York. Rollie admitted guilt before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to possessing with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. These charges carry significant penalties, including a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment and up to life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch is overseeing the case. He detailed that on August 28, 2024, investigators carried out search warrants at a Spruce Avenue residence linked to Rollie, where his son resides. During the search, authorities found approximately 594 grams of fentanyl, around 683 grams of cocaine, and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Rollie's criminal history includes a federal felony drug conviction from July 2002 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, which legally bars him from possessing firearms.
This case is part of an initiative by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). The OCDETF aims to identify and dismantle high-level criminal organizations posing threats to the United States through coordinated efforts involving multiple agencies led by prosecutors.
The investigation leading to Rollie's plea involved several law enforcement bodies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; Niagara Falls Police Department under Commissioner Nick Ligammari; Niagara County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff Michael Filicetti; North Tonawanda Police Department under Chief Keith Glass; New York State Police under Major Amie Feroleto; and Erie County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff John Garcia.
A sentencing date for Rollie will be determined later.
