Greece Police Arrest Eight in Home Takeover, Drug Trafficking Case

A Rochester man is facing multiple charges after Greece police say he took over a home, forced out the rightful owner and used the property as a base for drug trafficking and other illegal activity.

Shariek Rutledge, 45, was among eight people arrested Tuesday following a months-long investigation into suspected drug sales and prostitution at a residence on Ridgecrest Road, according to the Greece Police Department.

Investigators said Rutledge initially entered the home as an invited guest of a relative but soon changed the locks and took control of the property, preventing the homeowner from returning. Police allege Rutledge allowed others to live in the home without permission while it became a hub for criminal activity.

The Greece SWAT Team executed a search warrant at the property Aug. 5, seizing cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl.

In addition to Rutledge, the following people were taken into custody:

Roosevelt C. Speed, 46, of Rochester — criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree with intent to sell, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, and criminal trespass.

Brittany Hollaert, 28, of Rochester — criminal trespass.

Dunia Amireh, 35, of Rochester — criminal trespass.

Shaqera Lee, 32, of Greece — criminal trespass.

Yanira Lopez, 24, of Greece — criminal trespass.

Brandon Smith, 41, of Greece — criminal trespass.

Mary Mickolichik, 60, of Greece — criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; she was released on an appearance ticket.

All of the other defendants were remanded to Community Alternative to Prison (CAP) Court.

Police said neighbors had reported ongoing suspicious activity at the home. Authorities described the arrests as the culmination of a coordinated effort to restore safety to the neighborhood.