Julio Perez, 65, of Rochester, New York, was sentenced on Mar. 26 to serve 144 months in prison after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
The sentencing follows a large-scale narcotics trafficking investigation that led law enforcement officials to execute a search warrant at Perez’s residence in June 2024. Authorities seized approximately an ounce of fentanyl and nearly $10,000 in cash during the operation. The investigation also involved searches at multiple locations across Monroe and Ontario Counties.
At the time of the search, Perez was already on supervised release for previous federal narcotics trafficking convictions from 2018 and 2002. He was found guilty by a federal jury in November 2025 for this latest offense. With three convictions for narcotics trafficking, the court determined that Perez is a career offender and imposed an enhanced sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. McGrath and Brandon N. Gonzalez said that Homeland Security Investigations led the operation with support from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and Rochester Police Department.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address narcotics distribution within local communities.
