A 36-year-old Ghanaian based in the USA Nana Dwomah Yeboah is facing a jail term of 8 years and a fine of a $250,000 fine for assaulting security officers and possessing dried leaves confirmed to be marijuana.

The accused pleaded guilty before a U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa, to assaulting a federal officer and possession of a controlled substance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that on the morning of December 24, 2017, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers were conducting a routine patrol of the Greyhound Bus Station on Cumberland Street in Rochester. Officers observed the defendant enter the bus station and place a package on a bench in the lobby area. Yeboah then exited the station, leaving the package unattended.

After several minutes, officers searched the abandoned package to ensure that it did not pose a threat to the public. Inside, officers discovered a quantity of marijuana that appeared to be packaged for sale.

After several minutes, the defendant returned to the area and was questioned by officers, who quickly determined that he was not a U.S. Citizen. As they attempted to detain and further identify Yeboah, he fled the station, leading officers on a short chase. Yeboah was ultimately apprehended, but proceeded to fight with officers for several minutes.

One of the officers suffered facial injuries that required treatment at Rochester General Hospital. The defendant was ultimately brought under control with the assistance of civilian bystanders.

Subsequent investigation determined that Yeboah was in possession of an additional quantity of marijuana that was packaged for sale.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Vance Kuhner, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol under the direction of Chief Edwardo Payan, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 7, 2020, before Judge Siragusa.