Monroe County, NY – A late-night traffic stop along Interstate 490 early Thursday led to the arrest of a Rochester man now facing multiple felony charges after deputies allegedly found cocaine, a loaded handgun, and nearly $13,000 in cash inside his vehicle.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy observed a 2023 Cadillac Escalade with dark tinted windows following another vehicle too closely around 2:24 a.m. Thursday while traveling westbound on I-490 near I-390. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, later identified as James C. Gresham, 47, of Rochester.
During the initial interaction, deputies say the driver showed signs of possible alcohol impairment. Following further investigation, Gresham was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated.
According to deputies, an inventory search of the vehicle conducted after the arrest led to the discovery of nine 31-gram bags of cocaine, $12,940 in cash, and a .45-caliber Springfield Armory XD handgun loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. Authorities say the firearm was not reported stolen but was not registered to Gresham.
Investigators also determined that Gresham has a prior felony conviction, which legally prohibits him from possessing a firearm.
As a result, Gresham has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, a Class A-I felony; criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C felony; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony; and driving while intoxicated by alcohol, a Class A misdemeanor. He was also cited for traffic infractions related to following too closely and having excessively tinted windows.
Following his arrest, Gresham was transported to Monroe County CAP Court for arraignment. Authorities say he is currently being held without bail pending his next court appearance.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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