According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M Maciol, on…

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M Maciol, on March 24th 2026 three search warrants were executed within Oneida County at local smoke shops relative to illegal cannabis sales/possession. This was a multi-agency investigation with the Rome Police Department and the Oneida County District Attorneys Office. The Oneida County Health Department and NYS Office of Cannabis Management also assisted in the investigation. The locations are as follows: Community Express Market located at 804 Floyd Ave Rome NY Brooklyn Exotics located at 401 Black River Blvd Rome NY (Shut Down by NYS OCM) Prince Convenience located at 8601 Turin Rd in the Town of Lee NY (Shut Down by NYS OCM) During the execution of the search warrant at Prince Convenience 21 year old Christian J Wojdyla-Lerch of Lee NY was arrested by the Oneida County Sheriffs Office. Wojdyla-Lerch was charged with 2 misdemeanor offenses in relation to interfering with the execution of the search warrant. NYS PL 195.05 Obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. (A Misdemeanor)NYS PL 205.30 Resisting arrest. (Class A Misdemeanor) Wojdyla-Lerch was arraigned at Oneida County Cap Court and released to appear in Lee Town Court at a later date. Just a reminder what is illegal : It is illegal to sell cannabis products without a license approved by OCM.It is illegal to sell cannabis products in New York State that has not been grown, manufactured, and tested in the State.It is illegal to remove a padlock from an illicit cannabis storefront.It is illegal to allow tenants to sell cannabis products in a storefront not licensed by OCM.It is illegal to cross state lines with cannabis, including medical cannabis.It is illegal to sell or offer to sell adult-use cannabis products to anybody under 21 years of age. It is illegal to trade, barter, or “gift” cannabis to someone in exchange for something else. This includes “gifting” cannabis while selling something else (like a t-shirt or a sticker).It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis. Cannabis consumption can slow motor coordination and other skills needed to drive safely. It is also illegal for passengers to consume cannabis in a vehicle. If you drive under the influence of cannabis, you can be charged with a DUI.It is illegal to grow or smoke cannabis in any federally funded or recognized public housing facility. Growing cannabis, even for medical purposes, in public housing could result in your loss of housing support. The Oneida County Health Department seized over 5,000 illegal “E-cigarettes” and “flavored vape products” in total from the three locations. Other arrests may be pending as a result of this investigation. The Rome Police Department will provide a press release with additional information relative to the warrant executions.