David Washington, Cocaine and Fentanyl Conspiracy, New York 2023
BUFFALO, N.Y.–In a shocking turn of events, David Washington, 45, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.
The crimes, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000, are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security investigations, the New York State Police, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the Buffalo Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol.
According to court documents, Washington conspired with others, including Eleazar Martinez Medina, 56, of Los Angeles, CA, to sell cocaine and fentanyl. Medina pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Medina’s guilty plea carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000. The investigation revealed that Medina traveled to Buffalo from California in February 2019 and resided with Washington.
On February 15, 2019, Medina went to Chili, NY, picked up approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine from a truck driver, and traveled back to Buffalo. On February 19, 2019, Medina met with an individual working with the FBI, and stated that he had approximately $656,000, which was the proceeds from the sale of cocaine to a “black guy,” which was a reference to Washington.
In February 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Washington’s Bennett Village Terrace residence and recovered over $77,000 in cash. Further investigation determined that Washington was associated with and controlled other residences on Rogers Street and Bailey Avenue in Buffalo.
The investigation also included controlled purchases of fentanyl from Washington. The total amount of cash seized was $1,133,505, which represents the proceeds of drug trafficking. Sentencing for both defendants will be scheduled at a later date.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →