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Tonawanda Man Indicted on Methylone Charges
A Tonawanda man has been indicted on federal charges related to the importation and distribution of methylone, a highly controlled substance.
Peter Viera, 20, of Tonawanda, N.Y., has been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to import, methylone, a Schedule I controlled substance. If convicted, Viera faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.
According to the indictment, between October 21, 2011, and May 31, 2013, Viera conspired with others to import from China, obtain, and sell methylone in Western New York. The indictment alleges that Viera was observed by law enforcement on May 31, 2013, parked in a car across from the LaSalle Post Office in Niagara Falls, N.Y., as a co-conspirator picked up a package from the Post Office, which had been sent from China.
However, unbeknownst to Viera and his co-conspirators, the package had been intercepted two days prior by U.S. Postal inspectors and found to contain approximately one kilogram of methylone. The indictment is the result of an investigation on the part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Kevin Niland, Inspector in Charge, Boston Division.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank T. Pimentel is handling the case.
The indictment marks the culmination of a lengthy investigation into the importation and distribution of methylone in Western New York. The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in illicit activities, including the potential for lengthy prison sentences and significant fines.
Viera is expected to appear in federal court to answer to the charges. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by law enforcement officials and the community at large.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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