Fredonia Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Fentanyl-Laced Heroin Overdose Death
John Wallace Buchanan, 37, of Fredonia, New York, pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Buchanan sold heroin, which he admits often contained fentanyl, and methamphetamine to unsuspecting customers, including one who died from an overdose.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, Buchanan utilized social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities, including engaging in unlawful firearms activities. He also used his residence to conduct his illicit business. In one case, a customer, identified as B.G., sent Buchanan a message stating, “That stuff is strong” after purchasing a batch of methamphetamine and an opioid.
The investigation revealed that Buchanan’s customers often received fentanyl-laced heroin, which contributed to the overdose death of at least one individual. The Ellicott Police Department responded to a death investigation at B.G.’s residence in Celoron, New York, where they found B.G. lying on the living room floor with a needle in close proximity. They seized B.G.’s cell phone and recovered a social media conversation between Buchanan and B.G. discussing controlled substances.
The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
The joint investigation involved the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss Jr.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. Buchanan’s guilty plea marks a significant victory in the fight against narcotics trafficking in Western New York.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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