Buffalo Men Plead Guilty in Heroin Conspiracy

Two Buffalo men have admitted their roles in a high-stakes heroin conspiracy that flooded the city with deadly narcotics and moved tens of thousands in cash. Steven Martinez, 51, and Jeffrey Coleman, 47, both of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to federal drug charges tied to the distribution of more than 100 grams of heroin, law enforcement confirmed today.

Martinez entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, a charge carrying a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, up to 40 years behind bars, and a $5,000,000 fine. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., who stressed the severity of the offenses. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Coleman, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute the same quantity of heroin. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, Coleman served as the courier in a pipeline that transported heroin from New York City to Buffalo. On February 26, 2014, he was stopped and found in possession of more than $65,000 in cash—payment for a prior heroin delivery.

Inside the bundled cash, investigators discovered a handwritten and signed note from Steven Martinez. The note acted as both a receipt and a standing order for another shipment. That same day, Martinez was intercepted with over $2,000 and a small amount of heroin. Authorities also executed a search warrant at a residence on West Delavan Avenue, where they seized more than 100 grams of heroin, packaging materials, and $4,000 in cash.

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division. The operation dismantled a critical node in a regional drug network that leveraged cash and coded messages to keep the flow of heroin moving. Prosecutors called the evidence—particularly the incriminating note—irrefutable.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 2017. Jeffrey Coleman is set to appear before Judge Vilardo on May 11 at 2:00 p.m. Steven Martinez will be sentenced on May 15 at 10:00 a.m. Both face steep prison terms and the full weight of federal drug penalties as Buffalo continues its battle against opioid trafficking.

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