A Rochester man was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for a drug trafficking conspiracy and illegal firearm possession after investigators seized fentanyl, methamphetamine and a loaded shotgun.
Reinaldo Suarez, 54, also known as Popeye, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Wolford, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office release.
Suarez was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl, 50 grams of methamphetamine and 500 grams of cocaine, along with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The plea agreement describes a conspiracy running from March 1 through June 26, 2024. Prosecutors said Suarez obtained bulk quantities of the drugs from co-conspirators and distributed them to others in the Rochester area and elsewhere.
He used an automobile bay on Avis Street in Rochester to meet other dealers and conduct drug trafficking activities, according to the agreement.
Investigators executed multiple search warrants June 26, including searches of Suarez's Knickerbocker Avenue home and the Avis Street auto bay.
They seized a loaded shotgun, ammunition, about 1,100 grams of fentanyl, about 120 grams of methamphetamine, about six grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
Authorities also seized about four kilograms of cocaine and 498 grams of fentanyl during the wider investigation.
Suarez had one prior federal felony conviction and four prior New York state felony convictions. Those convictions prohibited him from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police and Rochester police investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGrath prosecuted the case.
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