Buffalo Man Faces 40 Years for Heroin and Cocaine Conspiracy

BUFFALO MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HEROIN AND COCAINE CONSPIRACY CHARGE

A 29-year-old Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to his role in a heroin and cocaine conspiracy that put the community at risk. Pascual Giovanny Navarro-Gonzalez, of Buffalo, New York, admitted to his involvement in the operation after a search warrant was executed at his residence on March 6, 2012.

Navarro-Gonzalez’s guilty plea came after an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During the investigation, authorities seized heroin, cocaine, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia from his home at 39 Montclair Avenue in Buffalo.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten stated that Navarro-Gonzalez was one of three men arrested in connection with the conspiracy. Co-defendants Erick Joel Reyes Barretto and Juan Montanez previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

Reyes Barretto was sentenced to 60 months in prison, while Montanez is scheduled for sentencing on October 4, 2013. Navarro-Gonzalez is facing a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years, as well as a $5,000,000 fine, or both.

The investigation, which led to Navarro-Gonzalez’s guilty plea, was a result of several purchases of heroin made from him by law enforcement officers. The plea is a significant blow to the heroin and cocaine trafficking operation in the Buffalo area.

Navarro-Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced on November 22, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The sentence will bring closure to the case, but it serves as a reminder of the risks and consequences of heroin and cocaine trafficking in the community.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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