Buffalo Man Gets 9 Years for Heroin Trafficking

Rashawn Crule, 43, of Buffalo, NY, is headed to federal prison for nearly nine years after being sentenced to 108 months for possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. The hard sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, marks the end of a two-year trafficking spree that flooded Western New York with kilos of heroin, fentanyl, crack, and cocaine.

Crule, once seen as a community volunteer at the Saunders Community Center, used his position as a cover for drug operations. Federal agents watched as he routinely left the center, drove to a stash house, then returned to conduct street-level sales. Authorities say the facade masked a ruthless operation centered at 98 Gillette Avenue—a premises designated for the manufacturing, distribution, and use of narcotics.

Between June 2013 and September 2015, Crule made at least two controlled sales of heroin to a DEA cooperating individual. On November 2, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence on 22 Homer Avenue, seizing $74,878 in cash and a 14-karat white gold necklace—both confirmed drug proceeds. Crule later boasted to agents that he had already received three kilograms of heroin from co-defendant Troy Gillon and could easily obtain five more.

A second raid, this time at 98 Gillette Street, uncovered more heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cocaine. Agents also seized a loaded 9mm handgun and 11 rounds of ammunition—evidence that elevated the case beyond simple distribution. The firearm possession charge underscored the violent potential lurking behind Crule’s operation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash and built through a multi-agency investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan. The New York State Police CNET unit, commanded by Mary Clark and Lieutenant Kevin Reyes, played a pivotal role, alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Unit, directed by Brian Manaher.

Troy Gillon, Crule’s supplier, has already been convicted and awaits sentencing. With Crule now locked up and his network dismantled, federal authorities are calling the takedown a major blow to the heroin pipeline feeding Buffalo’s streets. The DOJ, led by U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., vows more crackdowns ahead.

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