BUFFALO, NEW YORK – In a shocking turn of events, two Buffalo men have pleaded guilty to their roles in a heroin conspiracy that brought the deadly drug to the city from New York City.
Steven Martinez, 51, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. In addition, Jeffrey Coleman, 47, also of Buffalo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.
Both charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. This is a stark reminder of the dangers of heroin and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, Coleman was the courier of a heroin distribution conspiracy that brought heroin to Buffalo from New York City. Coleman was stopped on February 26, 2014, and found in possession of more than $65,000 in cash, which was payment for the delivery of heroin. Within the currency was a note, written and signed by Martinez, which served as a receipt for the delivery and an order for another delivery in the future.
Martinez was also stopped and found in possession of more than $2,000 and a small quantity of heroin. The investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, has been ongoing since 2014.
Coleman is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.; Martinez is due to be sentenced on May 15, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., both before Judge Vilardo. This is a major victory for law enforcement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the DEA and other agencies involved in the investigation.
Related Federal Cases
- Elias Figueroa, Heroin Possession with Intent to Distribute, New York 2014 · Texas
- Roberto Leon, Heroin Possession with Intent to Distribute, New York 2015 · Texas
- Jeffrey M. Patton, Heroin Possession with Intent to Distribute, New York 2016 · Pennsylvania
- Shaquan M. Shingledecker, Heroin Possession with Intent to Distribute, New York 2017 · Pennsylvania
- Edwin Alamo Jr., Heroin Possession with Intent to Distribute, NJ, 2023 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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