Rochester Man Arrested

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrested a Rochester man on multiple charges after an attempted traffic stop led to the recovery of more than 22 ounces of suspected cocaine.

On October 25, 2026, at 2:40 p.m., a deputy attempted to stop a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse bearing North Carolina license plates as it traveled westbound on I-490 near I-390. The driver refused to pull over and continued to the area of Chili Avenue and Stenwick Drive in the Town of Chili.

The deputy observed the driver throw a black bag from the vehicle’s window and alerted additional deputies. Deputies quickly recovered the bag, which contained more than 22 ounces of a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine. Shortly afterward, the driver stopped the vehicle and was taken into custody.

Anthony V. Watson Jr., 34, of Rochester is charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (Class A-Felony)

• Driving While Intoxicated (Felony)

• Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class E-Felony)

• Resisting Arrest (Class A-Misdemeanor)

• Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A-Misdemeanor)

• Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (Misdemeanor)

Mr. Watson was arraigned in Monroe County CAP Court and remanded to the Monroe County Jail, where he is being held without bail.