BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., and DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan announced today that Nafese J. Sanford, 27, of Buffalo, N.Y., pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine before U.S District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that on three separate occasions between July 13 and Aug. 8, 2018, law enforcement officers conducted three controlled purchases of crack cocaine from the defendant. The purchases were conducted at the Parkview Tower Apartments, a public housing facility in Lackawanna, N.Y.
On Aug. 22, 2018, law enforcement officers set up another controlled purchase with Sanford. As he arrived at the Parkview Tower Apartments, officers performed a traffic stop of the defendant after observing him commit a traffic violation. During the stop, Sanford was arrested at the scene.
Today’s plea is the result of an investigation by the Lackawanna Police Department and the DEA Buffalo Resident Office, New York Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
