Joshua Castro, Conspiracy to Distribute Molly, New York 2017

Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Molly

A 31-year-old Buffalo man is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Joshua Castro, a resident of Buffalo, NY, entered a guilty plea before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. on the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.

Between February 2015 and January 28, 2016, Castro conspired with others to possess and distribute 'Molly,' a Scheduled I controlled substance. On three separate occasions, Castro sold 'Molly' to a confidential source, with transactions taking place on February 5, February 18, and March 25, 2015.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly and the Border Enforcement Security Taskforce, which includes the Ontario Provincial Police, Niagara Regional Police, Peel Regional Police, and Toronto Police Services.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler is handling the case. Castro's sentencing is scheduled for April 20, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Geraci.

The investigation into Castro's activities is ongoing, and authorities are working to dismantle any remaining networks involved in the distribution of controlled substances in the Buffalo area.

As the city continues to grapple with the effects of substance abuse, Castro's guilty plea serves as a reminder of the severity of the consequences for those involved in the illicit trade.

Contact: Barbara Burns, (716) 843-5817, or (716) 551-3051 for more information.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/buffalo-man-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-distribute-molly