Related Federal Cases
Buffalo Trio Busted in Crack Cocaine Ring
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Three Buffalo men are facing serious federal charges after a months-long investigation into a crack cocaine distribution ring operating in the city’s Central Park area. Derrick Pitts, 46, Shawn Cunningham, 46, and Travel Jefferson, 36, were all arrested and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), allegedly uncovered a scheme running from April 2017 to May 17, 2017, where the trio peddled ‘several ounces’ of crack cocaine along Jewitt Avenue. Undercover officers made multiple buys – April 17, May 16, and May 24, 2017 – directly linking the defendants to the illicit trade. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti is prosecuting the case.
Law enforcement didn’t just rely on street buys. Raids executed at 269 Jewett Avenue and 1945 Hertel Avenue turned up a treasure trove of evidence. Officers seized drug paraphernalia, including scales with suspected cocaine residue, packaging materials, a plastic bag containing suspected cocaine, two baggies packed with suspected crack cocaine, a significant amount of cash, and a cell phone, all suggesting a well-oiled operation.
The defendants made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder. Cunningham and Jefferson were released under certain conditions, but Derrick Pitts remains in custody, awaiting a detention hearing scheduled for June 2, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. The government will likely argue for his continued detention given the severity of the charges and the potential flight risk.
If convicted, each man faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison, with a maximum sentence of 40 years. They also risk a hefty $5,000,000 fine. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a serious commitment to dismantling drug networks in Western New York. Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt of the DEA and Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen of the FBI oversaw the investigation.
It’s crucial to remember that these are merely accusations at this stage. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. Contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 for further information.
RELATED: River Run: Smuggler Faces Years in Prison
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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