Rochester man pleads guilty to drug conspiracy

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Samuel Oliver, 51, of Rochester, has pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to a felony charge of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Noto said the defendant was involved in a drug conspiracy operating primarily on the west side of the city of Rochester and was responsible for the distribution of numerous kilograms of cocaine in the Rochester area.

Oliver and 11 others were arrested in February 2010 after a nearly yearlong investigation conducted by federal and state authorities that involved the court-authorized interception of wire communication on cellular telephones utilized by members of the drug conspiracy. Oliver is the eighth defendant to plead guilty in the case and this is his second felony drug conviction.                        

Sentencing is scheduled for June 20.