Crack Cocaine Trafficking Plagues Buffalo Neighborhoods
A Buffalo man has been sentenced to 36 months for his role in a conspiracy to possess and distribute crack cocaine. Melvin Tucker, 29, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, crack cocaine, and was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, Tucker was involved in a conspiracy with several co-defendants that spanned from the summer of 2012 to April 3, 2013. During this time, the group possessed and distributed crack cocaine, with a co-defendant maintaining several locations on the grounds of the Perry Housing Projects in Buffalo.
Tucker would purchase crack cocaine from the co-defendant and then distribute it to his own customers, who were located in other parts of Buffalo. This tactic allowed the group to avoid selling cocaine base to customers on the grounds of the Perry Housing Projects, which would have put innocent residents at risk.
On April 3, 2013, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at 124 Fulton Street and 305 Perry Street, recovering over 300 grams of cocaine base and 700 grams of powered cocaine, as well as a firearm. Tucker was arrested along with 11 others in April 2013.
While Tucker has been sentenced, several of his co-defendants have also been convicted. Nannette Brown, Brandon Atkins, Eric Ross, and Phayon Redmond have all been convicted of various charges related to the conspiracy. Charges are still pending against Tyshawn Bradley, Dallas McLamore, Tashawn Gay, David Varner, Latifah Donaldson, and Tara Robinson.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the New York State Police, and the Buffalo Police Department. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against crack cocaine trafficking in Buffalo neighborhoods.
As the community continues to grapple with the effects of addiction and crime, it is essential to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. In this case, Melvin Tucker has been held accountable for his role in the conspiracy, and we hope that his sentence will serve as a deterrent to others.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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