Buffalo, NY – Jorge Melendez, 44, a former Buffalo Police Officer, has been sentenced to 60 months in prison for operating a large scale marijuana grow operation.
According to U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., Melendez was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture more than 100 marijuana plants.
The operation, which took place at three locations in Buffalo, was uncovered after a long-term investigation by the New York State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Buffalo Police Department.
On May 31, 2012, Melendez and co-defendants Jason Elardo and Robert Osika were arrested after law enforcement officers installed hidden surveillance equipment at a warehouse located at 2157 South Park Ave. in Buffalo.
The surveillance video showed Melendez and Elardo tending to over 100 marijuana plants, and officers also observed Melendez arriving at the location in a Buffalo Police patrol car, while on duty.
During the investigation, officers obtained credit card information indicating that Elardo purchased equipment used to sustain an indoor, hydroponic marijuana grow operation.
Melendez was also ordered to pay a money judgement totaling $300,000 and forfeit a Suburban vehicle, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, a 36 foot speed boat, and seven firearms.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation that has resulted in the convictions of several individuals, including Osika and Gale Elardo, who are awaiting sentencing.
Related Federal Cases
- Michael Damian Rivera-Melendez, Cocaine Receipt Attempt, New York 2023 · Puerto Rico
- Travis Beckley, Marijuana Smuggling Attempt, New York 2024 · Florida
- John G. Koukouras, Marijuana Trafficking, New York 2017 · Washington
- Maximiliano Davila Perez, Conspiring to Import Cocaine, New York 2023 · New York
- Maximiliano Davila Perez, Facilitated Cocaine Trafficking, New York 2023 · Rhode Island
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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