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Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges, Faces Life in Prison
A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activities and being a felon in possession of firearms, charges that carry a maximum penalty of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Juan Lopez, 30, of Buffalo, was found to have started utilizing Pennsylvania residents as straw purchasers to buy firearms in exchange for money and cocaine as far back as 2008. These firearms were then brought to Buffalo for the purpose of drug trafficking. Lopez was a convicted felon at the time and unable to legally purchase firearms in New York.
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. stated that this case is a top priority for his office. "Fighting violent criminal organizations is a top priority," he said. "Sometimes those efforts require arresting gang members, as we have done on many occasions in the past. Another essential component, however, consists of arresting those who brings guns into the community where they end up in the hands of violent criminals."
Lopez was arrested in September 2012 along with seven other defendants. A total of eight defendants have been convicted. He is currently serving 25 years in New York State prison for two previous attempted murder convictions.
The investigation was led by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Frank Christiano. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola is handling the case.
This guilty plea is a significant blow to Lopez, who could now face a life sentence behind bars. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and bring those responsible to justice.
As this case demonstrates, the consequences of engaging in organized crime can be severe. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities and bring those who commit these crimes to justice," said U.S. Attorney Hochul.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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