BUFFALO, N.Y. – Michael Damian Rivera-Melendez, 27, of Buffalo, is headed to federal prison for 26 months after a botched attempt to receive a cocaine shipment. Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the sentence today, a grim reminder that the feds are still very much watching.
The case dates back to April 29, 2015, when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service flagged a package originating from Puerto Rico destined for a Buffalo address. A search warrant quickly confirmed suspicions: the package contained a quantity of cocaine, skillfully concealed within. This wasn’t some amateur operation, but Rivera-Melendez’s attempt to play it cool quickly unraveled.
Federal agents orchestrated a controlled delivery, and Rivera-Melendez, rather than accepting the package himself, directed another individual to sign for it. A transparent attempt to distance himself from the illicit goods. But the Drug Enforcement Administration wasn’t fooled. When agents moved to arrest Rivera-Melendez, he bolted, making a desperate, and ultimately failed, run for it down a stairwell within the residence.
The escape attempt only solidified the evidence against him. Agents apprehended Rivera-Melendez, and recovered the opened package, cementing the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Cullinane successfully prosecuted the case, demonstrating a clear intent to distribute the narcotics. Chief U.S. District Court Chief Judge Frank P. Geraci handed down the 26-month sentence, sending a message to others contemplating similar ventures.
This bust was a joint operation, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration, led by Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt of the New York Field Division, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Shelly Binkowski. The combined resources of these agencies proved too much for Rivera-Melendez, and his ambition to move weight in Western New York has landed him behind bars.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow federal crime in New York State. Rivera-Melendez’s case serves as a stark warning: attempting to evade law enforcement only compounds the charges and extends the inevitable consequences. This is a city where the streets have eyes, and the feds have patience.
Related Federal Cases
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- Miguel Figueroa Pleads Guilty to Selling Fentanyl in Buffalo · Puerto Rico
- Tonawanda Man Gets 46 Months for Cocaine Scheme · Puerto Rico
- Bronx Coke Runner Gets 4 Years · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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