Buffalo Man Gets Nearly 6 Years for Crack Cocaine Sales

Derrick Washington, 41, of Buffalo, NY, is headed to federal prison for nearly six years after being sentenced to 70 months for conspiracy to possess and distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, marks the end of a swift but damning case tied to a string of drug deals in early 2018.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. Parisi, Washington engaged in a conspiracy between January and February 14, 2018, selling crack cocaine on four separate occasions to an individual cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Each transaction deepened the net around Washington, culminating in a federal search warrant executed on February 14 at 1502 Niagara Street in Buffalo.

That raid uncovered suspected crack cocaine, two digital scales used for measuring and packaging drugs, and a loaded SKS rifle—evidence prosecutors say underscores the violent potential of Washington’s operation. The presence of the firearm amplified the severity of the charges and sentencing exposure, even though Washington was not charged directly with a weapons offense.

The investigation was a joint effort led by the DEA’s New York Field Division under Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, alongside the Buffalo Police Department, directed by Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, led by Chief David Zack. Task force coordination allowed for rapid surveillance and controlled buys that sealed the case.

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. emphasized the ongoing crackdown on mid-level drug traffickers who fuel addiction and violence in Western New York. “Derrick Washington chose to profit from poison,” Kennedy said. “This sentence removes a dealer who helped spread devastation through our neighborhoods.”

Washington’s 70-month sentence reflects federal sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine offenses involving specified quantities and sustained criminal activity. He will serve the term in federal custody, followed by a period of supervised release, as authorities continue targeting networks tied to the broader drug trade in the Buffalo metro area.

RELATED: NY AG James Targets Deadly Police Chase Policies

RELATED: Ricin Mailer Gets 22 Years: Threat to Trump & Texas Cops