Rochester man sentenced to 146 months in prison

A 30-year-old Rochester man was given more than 12 years in prison by a United States District Court judge after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, according to a press release made by United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor last week. 

Solomon Newcomb, 30, of Rochester was sentenced to 146 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release on charges stemming from an incident last September.

According to court documents, on Sept. 22, 2024, police pulled over a car Newcomb was riding in as a passenger. In the vehicle officers reported finding Newcomb’s backpack, which contained controlled substances, including about 150 grams of methamphetamine, an AR-style rifle and more than 300 rounds of ammunition. Following the traffic stop it was reported Newcomb ran from police but was eventually caught by officers and arrested. 

“Newcomb possessed and intended to distribute methamphetamine while heavily armed — a dangerous mix,” said Proctor. “Thanks to the work of Fulton County officers and our team of investigators and prosecutors, Newcomb has been held accountable for trying to dispense this exceedingly harmful drug in our District.”

Newcomb's case was investigated by the Office Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Falvey. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods also known as, PSN, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.