Buffalo Man Caught Lying in Overdose Probe, Faces 10 Years in Prison
In a shocking turn of events, 49-year-old Roman Lapp from Buffalo, NY, has pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case revolves around a tragic event in June 2019, when a local individual overdosed and died after using heroin/fentanyl/acetyl fentanyl supplied by Lapp. The Buffalo Police Department initially interviewed Lapp, who identified the source of the narcotics as someone other than Steven Gonzalez, Lapp’s actual supplier. Gonzalez was later convicted and sentenced to 188 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that Lapp’s initial deception was a calculated move to protect Gonzalez and himself. Lapp later admitted to lying, revealing the truth behind the tragic event.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced the plea, highlighting the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, even in the face of tragic circumstances. Sentencing has been scheduled for a later date.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which aims to disrupt and dismantle high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States. The OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
In a statement, the OCDETF emphasized the significance of this operation in combating the opioid crisis and bringing justice to those responsible for the tragic loss of life.
This is a developing story, and Grimy Times will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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