What began as a community complaint in the city of Geneva has led to one of the largest drug and gun trafficking cases in Ontario County history.
A Rochester man is facing an 81-count indictment following a months-long investigation into the trafficking of fentanyl, firearms, and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Authorities say the case, sparked by a quality-of-life concern in August 2016, culminated with a dramatic arrest on January 2 during a buy-bust operation in Ontario County.
Ronnie Boswell Jr., also known as “Spaz,” was indicted Tuesday on charges that include criminal sale and possession of controlled substances, criminal sale and possession of firearms, conspiracy, and multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon in both the second and third degrees.
“In total, there were 14 firearms purchased and seized, five of which qualify as assault weapons,” said Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts. “We also recovered 13 large-capacity feeding devices and approximately 2,600 fentanyl pills.”
Authorities say Boswell sold a semi-automatic rifle, a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, and 200 fentanyl pills to undercover investigators during the operation that led to his arrest.
The indictment outlines a wide-ranging criminal operation that took place between October 1, 2024, and January 2, 2025. Prosecutors allege Boswell conducted dozens of illegal transactions across Ontario County during that time—selling powerful narcotics, distributing loaded firearms, and trafficking assault-style weapons and extended magazines.
District Attorney Ritts credited the Geneva Police Department for initiating the investigation after community members reported open drug use, loitering, and suspicious activity downtown. As the case expanded, it drew in support from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is a remarkable achievement,” Ritts said. “We were able to seize firearms destined for the streets and prevent these drugs from ever reaching the public.”
Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione said the impact of fentanyl remains severe in the region, and the seizure of such a large quantity is significant.
“Every overdose we see — whether it results in death or hospitalization — has one common denominator: fentanyl,” Cirencione said. “Removing 2,600 doses from circulation is a huge win.”
Authorities say Boswell has multiple prior felony convictions and could face sentencing enhancements as a persistent felony offender. If convicted on the most serious weapons charges, he could face 25 years to life in prison.
Many of the firearms seized in the investigation were sold with ammunition and were immediately ready for use. Investigators believe several originated in Rochester, though the exact sources remain under review. Law enforcement is also working to determine if any of the weapons were later used in violent crimes.
While the illegal sales allegedly occurred throughout Ontario County, Ritts said Boswell believed the drugs and firearms would remain within the county. Officials believe this amplifies the potential danger the operation posed to local residents.
Boswell is currently being held at the Ontario County Jail. He is expected to be arraigned on the indictment later this week or early next week.
Sheriff Cirencione emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that the entire case began with a single tip from a Geneva resident.
“This is what can happen when someone makes a tip,” he said. “These cases don’t start big — they grow because people speak up, and we follow up.”
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