RPD Math: Cash +/- Cocaine +/- Shiv = Charges for Two Rome Men

Two men are facing multiple charges after a traffic stop in the early morning hours today.

The Rome Police Department says officers with the RPD's Patrol Division conducted a traffic stop on the 200 block of East Dominick Street at approximately 12:15am ON Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

Police say after talking with the driver, identified as 34-year-old Robert J. DiDomenico of Rome, it was learned that his driving privileges were found to have been revoked. He had a passenger who was not authorized to drive and because he was unlicensed, his vehicle had to be towed.

During a search of the vehicle police say the following items were located inside the car:

15.2 grams of cocaine
A quantity of pills (type and prescription status not yet released by police)
U.S. Currency
One "Shiv" Style Knife

Robert J. DiDomenico Photo Credit: Rome Police Department (March 2022)

After the search both occupants of the vehicle were arrested. DiDomenico faces the following charges:

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (Class B felony)
Aggravated Unauthorized Operation in the 3rd Degree

Joel M. Stephens Photo Credit: Rome Police Department (March 2022)

The passenger, identified as 40-yer-old Joel M. Stephens of Rome, faces the following charges:

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (Class B felony)
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (Class D felony)

Police say that the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information that might be helpful to investigators is asked to call the Rome Police Department's Tip Line at: (315) 339.7744. Calls, e-mail, and messages may also be left anonymously with Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers by calling: 1-866-730-8477 (TIPS), by visiting www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, or by using the P3 Tips mobile app. All information received by Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers is 100% confidential.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: This post is for informational purposes and is based largely on information received from the Rome Police Department. All arrested persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. At the time of this posting no additional information is available.]

Check Out These At Home Skating Rinks, Created By One Family in Rome, NY

Imagine having a 40' by 100' ice skating rink in the back yard of your home. It's not only possible, but it's a reality with the Bartel family in Rome. Ross Bartel and family have been making skating rinks in the yard for well over 50 years.