Three arrested in Rochester area narcotics trafficking operation

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of three Rochester-area men—Leonardo Gaskin, Rodney Stanley, and Shanimba Nelson—for their roles in an interstate narcotics distribution network. A Homeland Security Task Force investigation revealed the ring transported kilogram quantities of cocaine from the New York/Tri-State and Philadelphia areas. Raids on October 9, 2026, yielded nearly 30 kilograms of cocaine, $159,000 in cash, and four firearms from residences and stash houses.

Charges and detention outcomes

• ▪Following detention hearings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen, defendant Leonardo Gaskin was detained, while defendants Shanimba Nelson and Rodney Stanley were released on conditions.
• ▪U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Rodney Stanley, Leonardo Gaskin, and Shanimba Nelson were arrested and charged in separate criminal complaints for narcotics trafficking in the Rochester area.
• ▪The federal narcotics charges against Rodney Stanley, Leonardo Gaskin, and Shanimba Nelson carry a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Drug trafficking supply routes

• ▪On October 8, 2026, Leonardo Gaskin's vehicle traveled from Rochester to Philadelphia for 15 minutes before returning to his West Henrietta residence on October 9, 2026, as part of frequent quick-turnaround supply trips.
• ▪An investigation by law enforcement determined that a drug trafficking organization transported kilogram quantities of cocaine from the New York/Tri-State and Philadelphia areas to Rochester and Albany, NY for distribution.

Cocaine seized during search warrants

• ▪Law enforcement executed search warrants at Leonardo Gaskin's West Henrietta residence and vehicle on October 9, 2026, seizing approximately 23 kilograms of suspected cocaine.
• ▪Search warrants executed on October 9, 2026, at residences and stash houses associated with Shanimba Nelson and Rodney Stanley yielded cocaine and crack cocaine.

Cash seized during search warrants

• ▪Search warrants executed during the October 9, 2026 operation yielded $51,129 in cash at Rodney Stanley's Greece residence, $10,255 at an East Avenue stash house, and $8,209 at Shanimba Nelson's Irondequoit residence.
• ▪Law enforcement seized approximately $84,685 in cash from a stash house on Plymouth Avenue in Rochester frequented by Leonardo Gaskin, alongside $4,857 seized from Gaskin's residence and vehicle.

Firearms recovered and firearm charges

• ▪Law enforcement officers recovered four total firearms during the October 9, 2026 search warrants, including a loaded shotgun at Shanimba Nelson's residence, a loaded pistol at Rodney Stanley's residence, and two firearms at a Rochester stash house.
• ▪Shanimba Nelson and Rodney Stanley were each charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Agencies involved in the investigation

• ▪The investigation was conducted jointly by the DEA, FBI Buffalo, Rochester Police Department, Greece Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and New York State Police.
• ▪The arrests resulted from an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force, an initiative established by Executive Order 14159 to dismantle transnational criminal cartels and trafficking organizations.