Amherst Extortionist Gary Drago Faces 20 Years

Buffalo, N.Y. – The grimy streets of Amherst saw a new face in the criminal spotlight as Gary Drago, 56, was charged with witness intimidation and making threatening communications to extort money, a crime that could land him up to 20 years in federal prison.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, Drago has been accused of systematically intimidating and extorting a local physician, Victim 2, and his family over a period of four years. The intimidation reached such heights that it involved death threats against the victims, culminating in an incident at Victim 2’s workplace.

On May 19, 2017, Drago forced his way into a medical office where Victim 2 works, walked out with him, and informed patients that Victim 2 was done seeing patients for the day. This brazen act led to an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI, Lancaster Police Department, Amherst Police Department, New York State Police, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

The victims initially feared their lives when Drago threatened them, prompting a call to the FBI. Despite initial denials, law enforcement soon caught up with both Drago and Victim 2, who was traveling separately at the time. Both were arrested on May 20, 2017.

Drago made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and is currently being detained. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti is handling this case, which underscores the severity of the charges against Drago.

The investigation into Gary Drago’s alleged crimes serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to maintain their criminal enterprises, even when it puts innocent lives at risk. As the legal process unfolds, the community watches with bated breath for justice to be served.