Former Monroe Co. public defender indicted on charges of drug trafficking

Posted at: 08/17/2012 8:26 PM

The U.S. Attorney's Office has announced that a federal grand jury has returned a four count indictment against the former Monroe County public defender accused of running a marijuana growing operation.

Prosecutors say 36-year-old Adam Rissew used his home to grow, and distribute the drug. Officials also accuse Rissew of possessing weapons to assist with drug trafficking. Investigators say they found evidence of a marijuana growing operation, along with marijuana that appeared to be cut, four guns, and almost 700 rounds of ammo during a search of Rissew home in July.

The drug charges carry a possible sentence of 20 years in prison and the firearms charge carry a mandatory five year sentence.

Rissew was arraigned Friday afternoon and is being detained until a hearing later this month.

Rissew served as an attorney and assistant public defender in the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office up until he was arrested in July on marijuana possession charges.

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