Buffalo Man Sentenced on Cocaine Charges

In a major blow to Buffalo’s underworld, Spiwe Barnes, 34, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for his role in a massive cocaine trafficking ring.

According to U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., Barnes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, revealed that Barnes and his co-defendant, Anthony Avery, obtained cocaine from a source in Ohio and later from Tyree Bishop, who was obtaining the cocaine in Detroit, Michigan.

The cocaine was then transported to Buffalo by Linda Johnson.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch stated that Barnes distributed between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine in the Buffalo area between early 2010 and June 14, 2011.

The sentencing is the culmination of a long and complex investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Buffalo Police Department, the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

Barnes is just one of four defendants to be convicted in the case. His co-defendants, Anthony Avery, Linda Johnson, and Tyree Bishop, are also facing prison time.

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