Public defender arrested after raid

MEDINA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A Monroe County public defender may need to get a lawyer for himself after being arrested by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force on Friday.

Thirty-six-year-old Adam Rissew of Medina was arrested after an eight-month long investigation into the sale and growing of marijuana in the Village of Medina. Authorities raided his home on Catherine Street and seized over 60 marijuana plants, an unregistered, loaded Glock handgun, around three pounds of dried marijuana, scales, packaging, indoor growing equipment, and other drug paraphernalia.

Rissew works as a public defender with the Monroe County Public Defender's Office. He has been charged with second degree criminal possession of marijuana, fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon, unlawfully growing cannabis, and two counts of first degree unlawfully dealing with a child.

He was arraigned in the Town of Shelby Court and taken to Orleans County Jail on $20,000.

Authorities say their investigation continues and further arrests and charges are pending.