Harold Howard, Drug Trafficking, New York 2011

Harold Howard Convicted of Drug Trafficking in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. - In a stunning blow to the region's narcotics trade, Harold Howard, 42, of Buffalo, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, possession of firearms and ammunition while being a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of a machine gun.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years in prison. Howard was arrested following a long-term investigation by the Erie County Sheriff's Office. In November 2011, during the execution of a search warrant at 93 Elmer St. in Buffalo, law enforcement officers found three kilograms of cocaine and three loaded firearms in Howard's vehicle.

The Government presented evidence at trial that Howard transported cocaine between Atlanta, Georgia and Buffalo between 2008 and November 2011. In November 2008, the defendant was stopped in Atlanta with $104,000 and a loaded firearm. In November 2009, Howard was arrested by Buffalo Police after being stopped with cocaine and a loaded firearm. As a result, the defendant is currently serving a state sentence for possession of a firearm.

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. praised the cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement partners, saying "This case is another example of the successful cooperation between our Office and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners. The prosecution brings to an end the flow of illegal narcotics and illegal firearms into our community by this particular defendant."

The conviction is the result of an investigation on the part of the Erie County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy B. Howard, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Christopher Cummings, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Frank Christiano, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian R. Crowell, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The 35-year mandatory minimum sentence will be applied to Howard's conviction. The defendant is currently serving a state sentence for possession of a firearm, which will run concurrently with the federal conviction.

The investigation and subsequent prosecution of Howard's case is a prime example of the successful cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The conviction brings a significant blow to the region's narcotics trade and serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in such activity.

Harold Howard's real full name is Harold Howard. The exact criminal charges he was convicted of include conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, possession of firearms and ammunition while being a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of a machine gun.

The city and state where the crime took place is Buffalo, New York. The exact date of the crime is not specified, but the investigation began in 2008 and the defendant was arrested in November 2011.

The sentence or outcome of the case is a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years in prison.

The dollar amount involved in the case is $104,000 in cash found in Howard's vehicle during the search warrant execution.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/buffalo-man-convicted-drug-trafficking-and-firearms-charges