Niagara Falls Man Pleads Guilty To Multiple Drug And Gun Charges
BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jeffrey Richards, 32, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute acetyl fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a stolen firearm.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and fine of up to $10,000,000. Richards’ guilty plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent John Faso, and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
On December 14, 2018, a search warrant was executed at Richards’ residence on Packard Court in Niagara Falls. During the search, investigators recovered, among other items, amounts of acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, alprazolam, approximately 10 firearms, various rounds of ammunition, drug trafficking paraphernalia, an improvised destructive device, and various items used in the manufacturing of destructive devices.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Cullinane, who is handling the case, stated that Richards’ guilty plea is a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to combat the opioid crisis and reduce gun violence in the Western District of New York.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Ross emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their crimes and working to prevent the flow of illicit drugs into our communities.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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