Janelle Hawkins, Misprision of Felony, New York 2010

BUFFALO, N.Y.–A Lockport nurse has been brought to justice after pleading guilty to misprision of felony. Janelle Hawkins, 36, of Lockport, N.Y., a registered nurse, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie G. Foschio to misprision of felony.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Hawkins is one of 23 defendants convicted as a result of a drug investigation that uncovered a web of deceit and corruption in the community.

According to court documents, Hawkins knew that her boyfriend, Eric Williams, a co-defendant in the investigation, was using the residence she owned at 118 Chestnut Street in Lockport to engage in drug trafficking activities. Williams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to five years in prison.

Members of the Niagara County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a federal search warrant at Hawkins’ residence on August 17, 2010. Agents seized drug paraphernalia and $8,614.00 in cash. They also seized more than a half kilogram of cocaine after apprehending Williams in a downstairs bathroom at Hawkins’ residence as he was flushing cocaine down a toilet.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who is handling the case, stated that the investigation was a result of an extensive criminal investigation, including obtaining a wiretap for Williams’ cellular telephone.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian P. Boetig, and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Votour.

Hawkins is expected to be sentenced for her crime in the near future. The community is breathing a sigh of relief knowing that justice has been served in this case.

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