North Tonawanda Man Pleads Guilty To Drug And Gun Charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Daniel Rodriguez, 40, of North Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine up to $8,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who is handling the case, stated that leading up to September 11, 2020, Rodriguez and co-defendant Adrienne Czosnyka resided together on Center Avenue in North Tonawanda. Rodriguez was a suspect in an investigation being conducted by the Town of Tonawanda Police Department. On September 11, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at the Center Avenue residence and on a vehicle belonging to defendant Czosnyka. They recovered over 500 grams of cocaine, four digital scales, 10 cellular telephones, and over $4,700 in currency. Investigators also recovered a 12-gauge shotgun, and three rounds of ammunition. Rodriguez was previously convicted of felonies in 2001 and 2007, and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

In addition, co-defendant Adrienne Czosnyka pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of cocaine and faces up to a year in prison.

The pleas are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger; the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith T. Glass; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2023 before Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

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