Prior Felon Pleads Guilty to Cocaine and Gun Charges

Rochester, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Adonis Wiggins, 49, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.

Wiggins was arrested on October 24, 2025, on Ringle Street after Rochester Police officers stopped his vehicle for a suspended registration. Wiggins immediately exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered eight small baggies of cocaine, $700.00 in cash, and a loaded semiautomatic pistol. Officers also recovered an additional quantity of cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, pills, and drug paraphernalia. Wiggins was previously of felony charges in 2002, 2004, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2023 and as a result is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vacca.