BUFFALO, N.Y. – In a move to dismantle a notorious family-run narcotics trafficking operation, Leo Mellerson, of Buffalo, New York, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge, Richard J. Arcara.
According to U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., Mellerson was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine.
The case revolves around Theresa Anderson, a grandmother who headed the illicit narcotics trafficking organization that controlled drug sales on Swinburne and Deshler Streets in the City of Buffalo between 2000 and February 2012. Mellerson, who is the boyfriend of her daughter Toshia Anderson, was one of several family members employed to sell crack cocaine on a daily basis in the neighborhood.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Anderson and her associates used threats and intimidation to monopolize narcotics sales in the area. They also purchased several homes in the neighborhood, which were used for selling and storing the illegal narcotics.
“Today’s sentencing brings to a conclusion the successful prosecution of this group of individuals who attempted to destroy a city neighborhood,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Theresa Anderson, a wife, mother and grandmother, destroyed not only her family through her illegal narcotics trafficking but also the streets where the drug trafficking took place.”
As part of this case, the Government seized over $50,000 in U.S. Currency and approximately nine houses used by the drug organization.
Theresa Anderson was sentenced to 188 months in prison in November 2013. She was arrested in February 2012 along with eight others, including Leo Mellerson, Steven Butler, Dion Anderson, Melvin Calhoun, Anquensha Hodge, Wymiko Anderson, Toshia Hodge, and Tajia Anderson.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda, and the New York State Police, Special Investigations Unit, under the direction of Major Thomas G. Marmion.
Theresa Anderson’s case is a prime example of the devastating impact of narcotics trafficking on communities. The fact that five of her associates were children or grandchildren highlights the cycle of violence and addiction that can be perpetuated by such organizations.
Related Federal Cases
- Shaquelle Coleman, Crack Cocaine Conviction, New York 2019 · Illinois
- Shameek Halls, Trafficking Crack Cocaine, New York 2023 · North Carolina
- Jordan Flythe, Fentanyl and Crack Distribution, Connecticut 2020 · Washington
- Quadeim Mack, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Distribution, Vermont 2020 · New Hampshire
- Junior Rafael Arias Soto, Fentanyl Distribution, New York 2020 · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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