The Daily News | Rochester man admits dealing fentanyl, including into Orleans

ROCHESTER — A Rochester man faces up to 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court to distributing fentanyl and heroin, including into Orleans County.

Jonathan Velasquez, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, a conviction that carries a minimum federal prison term of five years and a maximum of 40 years and a $5 million fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant conspired with others to distribute quantities of heroin throughout the Western District of New York.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton; United States Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Wilson; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Randy Bower; and the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Joseph V. Cardone.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 5, 2019, at 11:00 p.m. before Judge Larimer.