A 23-year-old Buffalo man is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.
Jaelyn Castro, 23, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
The incident occurred on May 8, 2021, when Buffalo Police officers encountered a vehicle parked illegally outside of a store located at the intersection of Hampshire Street and Plymouth Avenue. As officers approached the vehicle, they advised the defendant, who was sitting in the driver’s seat, to remain stationary. However, Castro continued to move around in the driver seat.
The officers then asked the defendant to step out of the vehicle. During a search of Castro, an officer recovered two large baggies containing suspected cocaine.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, who is handling the case, stated that the investigation was a collaborative effort between local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2022, before Judge Vilardo.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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