Niagara Falls Man Admits Guilt to Federal Drug and Firearm Offenses

A man from Niagara Falls has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Buffalo to charges related to drugs and firearms.

Edward Rollie, 49, entered his plea during a hearing presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. He admitted to single counts of possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a potential maximum of life imprisonment.

Rollie was among four men arrested during a series of coordinated raids conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement on August 28th. The operation targeted at least eight locations in Niagara Falls, including residences, apartments, and at least one business.

The raids were led by agents from the FBI Buffalo Field Office along with detectives from the Falls Police Narcotics & Intelligence Division (NID). During the operation, authorities seized 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl, over a kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, and $25,000 in cash.

Federal law enforcement officials have described Rollie and the other arrested individuals as part of a drug trafficking organization operating in the Falls.

Alongside Rollie, Paul Fields, 39, Rashawn Salmon, 39, and Jermaine McQueen, 46, were also apprehended. Fields faces charges of possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine and possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. Salmon is charged with possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, while McQueen faces similar charges related to fentanyl and firearm possession.

The charges are part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking and violent gang activity in the area. The investigation identified Fields, Rollie, Salmon, and McQueen as individuals involved in narcotics trafficking.

Search warrants were executed at two locations linked to Fields, specifically at 466 12th Street and 616 Niagara Street. Additionally, a search was conducted at a family member's home of Rollie on Spruce Avenue on August 24th.

The investigation resulted in the recovery of approximately 594 grams of fentanyl, around 683 grams of cocaine, and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Authorities reported that controlled purchases of fentanyl were made from Rollie.

Niagara Falls Man Admits Guilt to Federal Drug and Firearm Offenses