Louis Gilbert, Cocaine Conspiracy, New York 2020

A Buffalo man, Louis Gilbert, 43, has pleaded guilty to his role in a cocaine conspiracy. Gilbert conspired to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the guilty plea, which occurred before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Antoine and Laura A. Higgins, Gilbert conspired with others to sell cocaine between July 2019, and January 10, 2020. On January 10, 2020, Gilbert and co-defendant Saan Thompson engaged in a text communication regarding a drug sale.

Investigators set up surveillance in the vicinity of 189 May Street and observed Thompson and Gilbert meet inside of the residence. Afterwards, Erie County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Gilbert was driving and he was found in possession of suspected cocaine.

Gilbert and co-defendant Saan Thompson were observed meeting inside a residence at 189 May Street. Erie County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Gilbert was driving and he was found in possession of suspected cocaine.

Gilbert’s co-defendants, Saan Thompson and Ronnie Charleston, were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against co-defendant Antoine Gilbert.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 14, 2021, before Judge Arcara. Gilbert is facing a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

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