Raymond C. Hopson, Lindsay R. Carrier, Jr., and Stephanie A. Costanzo — a former Niagara Falls Police Officer — are behind bars, facing federal charges for a brazen cocaine trafficking operation that infiltrated one of Western New York’s law enforcement agencies. The trio was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, and maintaining a premises for drug use and manufacturing — charges that carry a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the conspiracy ran from July 27, 2016, to November 9, 2016, during which Hopson sold cocaine to an undercover officer in multiple controlled buys. The investigation culminated on November 9, when federal and local agents executed a search warrant at 2930 Grand Avenue in Niagara Falls — Hopson’s residence and shared home with Costanzo. Inside, police found a locked bedroom. Costanzo produced a key, and agents discovered a gram of marijuana, over five grams of cocaine, a digital scale, plastic bags, a container of creatine — a common cutting agent — and cash.
In the master bedroom, where Costanzo and Hopson slept, investigators uncovered a stash that screamed drug trade: an orange plastic container with more than five grams of suspected cocaine, scattered marijuana, a pistol-shaped marijuana grinder, sandwich bags, and an empty gun magazine. The evidence painted a picture of a household deep in narcotics distribution — one that included someone sworn to uphold the law.
Same day, agents raided 2407 Willow Avenue, the Niagara Falls home of Lindsay Carrier’s mother. There, they seized nearly 80 grams of crack cocaine, nearly 61 grams of powdered cocaine, hydrocodone pills, 10 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and cash. Carrier, directly tied to the Willow Avenue stash, now sits in custody alongside Hopson. Costanzo, though released after her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Roemer on December 13, 2016, remains charged and presumed innocent under federal law.
“The vast majority of those of us involved in law enforcement take seriously our obligation to uphold our oath of office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. “This case shows how those that do will take action to remove those that don’t.” His words echo a broader crackdown on corruption, where the very people meant to protect the public are caught profiting from its destruction.
DEA Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt didn’t mince words: “There is no excuse for a law enforcement officer to tarnish their badge in exchange for profit.” The investigation, led by the Niagara Falls Police Department under Superintendent Bryan Dalporto, the DEA’s New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department under Commissioner Daniel Derenda, dismantled what officials are calling a major cocaine trafficking network. One cop’s fall from duty became the linchpin in taking it down. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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