‘They Aren’t My Pants,’ Claims Drug Suspect Caught With Meth, Coke, and Pipe

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Adam Rocha, 37, of Kenosha
(Squad Car Photo by Kevin Mathewson Kenosha County Eye)

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who allegedly had crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and a drug pipe stuffed in his pants pocket told officers during a traffic stop that the drugs weren’t his—because, he claimed, the pants he was wearing weren’t his.

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Adam Rocha, 37, made his initial appearance in Kenosha County Circuit Court Monday on five charges, including felony possession of methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as two counts of bail jumping. He remains in custody on bond, and a competency hearing has been scheduled for June 10.

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Adam Rocha, 37, of Kenosha
(Squad Car Photo by Kevin Mathewson Kenosha County Eye)

According to the criminal complaint, Kenosha Police pulled over a black sedan near 21st Avenue and 45th Street on Jan. 8, 2025, after observing that the registered owner appeared to have an expired license. Rocha was in the front passenger seat. Officers reported spotting a crack pipe in plain view, prompting them to search the vehicle and its occupants.

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During the search, Rocha reportedly gave police permission to pat him down and said, “Go ahead, check me.” Officers found a clear plastic baggie containing 1.9 grams of what later tested positive for cocaine in Rocha’s “coin pocket.” They also found a second bag with 0.4 grams of meth and a purple pipe typically use d to smoke crack, along with burnt residue and an unburned rock on top.

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Despite the drug-filled pocket, Rocha immediately denied ownership of the cocaine and then pivoted to a defense police have heard before: “These aren’t my pants.”

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According to the complaint, Rocha repeated that claim multiple times. Officers remained unconvinced, especially since the drugs were inside a small, hard-to-miss pocket above the main one.

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Prosecutors say Rocha was out on two separate bonds at the time—one from a 2024 child abuse and domestic violence case in Kenosha County, and another from a Racine County misdemeanor for violating a domestic abuse injunction. Both bonds included orders that Rocha not commit any additional crimes.

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The Kenosha charges now pending against Rocha include possession of methamphetamine (Class I felony), possession of cocaine (misdemeanor), possession of drug paraphernalia, and two bail jumping counts—one felony, one misdemeanor.

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If convicted on all charges, Rocha could face up to more than 11 years behind bars.

Rocha’s outlandish excuse, while not uncommon among suspects caught red-handed, could come under greater scrutiny now that the court has ordered a mental competency evaluation.

Court records show that Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William Michel II set bail and scheduled a competency hearing for June 10. Rocha remains in custody as of Monday evening.

Though Rocha’s case may end up hinging on psychiatric evaluation and drug lab evidence, it’s unlikely that a jury—should the case go to trial—will overlook the comedic absurdity of his claim. As one officer put it in the report, Rocha never explained who the alleged pants owner was—or why that person left behind an assortment of narcotics.

The legal maxim may be “innocent until proven guilty,” but in this case, prosecutors will argue Rocha’s excuse doesn’t hold up—especially when the pocket in question was practically bursting with contraband.

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