Canandaigua, NY – A Rochester, New York man is facing more than 150 years in prison after being convicted on 81 charges following a months-long, multi-agency investigation in Ontario County.
Investigation Sparks from Community Complaint
The investigation began after a quality of life complaint in Geneva, where residents reported multiple open-air drug transactions. Authorities quickly identified Ronnie “Spaz” Boswell Jr. as the primary source of the illegal narcotics.
Between October 2024 and January 2025, undercover officers made contact with Boswell and purchased drugs and firearms from him. Boswell was arrested during a buy-bust operation, during which he sold officers 200 fentanyl pills, a semi-automatic rifle, and ammunition.
Law enforcement then recovered 2,600 fentanyl pills, 14 firearms (including five illegal assault weapons), and 13 high-capacity magazines.
Conviction and Charges
On March 27, an 81-count indictment was filed against Boswell. On Friday, an Ontario County jury found him guilty of all counts, which included:
- 1 count of first-degree criminal sale of a firearm
- 1 count of second-degree conspiracy
- 1 count of fourth-degree conspiracy
- 5 counts of second-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance
- 10 counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance
- 6 counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
- 21 counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon
- 27 counts of third-degree criminal sale of a firearm
- 3 counts of second-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance
- 6 counts of third-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance
Statements from Authorities
Acting District Attorney Kelly Wolford praised the collaborative law enforcement effort, stating,
“The conviction of Ronnie Boswell is an incredible example of our outstanding federal, state, and local law enforcement in the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region. Every day members of law enforcement put their lives on the line to investigate and ultimately help secure the convictions of dangerous criminals. Without the teamwork of the many agencies involved, Boswell would be continuing to run his illegal gun and drug business on the streets of our communities.”
Assistant District Attorney Pete VanDellon emphasized the life-saving impact of the operation:
“The outstanding recovery of 14 illegal firearms that Mr. Boswell was trafficking into our community undoubtedly saved lives. Even when homicides were at a peak in this region, opiate overdoses outstripped deaths from violent crimes at a rate of nearly three to one. Our streets are much safer with a deadly narcotics trafficker like Boswell behind bars.”
Upcoming Sentencing
Boswell is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2026, facing a potential sentence of over 150 years in prison, as per 13WHAM.
What are your thoughts on this massive bust and its impact on Ontario County? Share your views in the comments below.
