Rochester Man Sent to Prison For Drug and Assault Convictions

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man was sentenced today to just under eight years in prison for drug and domestic assault convictions.

34-year-old Randy Rocha earlier admitted to a first-degree drug charge and a felony domestic assault charge through a plea agreement that resulted in the dismissal of two felony assault charges and four other criminal complaints involving drugs and weapons charges. The drug conviction stemmed from an investigation by Rochester police that began in November 2020. He was accused of selling more than 23 grams of methamphetamine to a police informant on two separate occasions.

The domestic assault conviction followed Rocha’s arrest in December of last year after the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of domestic violence at a home in Stewartville. According to the criminal complaint, a woman inside the home called 911 and told the deputies that Rocha had threatened her with a knife. He was also accused of placing his hands around her throat and covering her mouth during an altercation that lasted several hours.

The 95-month prison sentence was applied to the drug conviction. Rocha was also sentenced to 30 months in prison for the domestic assault conviction, but he is being allowed to serve that sentence concurrently with the longer prison term.

Rocha has a history of felony convictions dating back to 2008. His list of past convictions includes burglary, drugs, and solicitation of a child.