BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Harry Hinks, 49, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to 63 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Burgasser, who handled the case, stated that between December 2010 and April 4, 2011, the defendant organized the distribution of 20-30 pounds of marijuana per week from the Akwesasne Indian Reservation to Niagara Falls. The marijuana was then distributed in the Western New York area.
On April 4, 2011, Hinks was intercepted during a telephone conversation discussing the purchase of two kilograms of cocaine with do-defendant Dennis Berard. The cocaine was going to be purchased by co-conspirator Ronald Carter for further distribution.
Dennis Berard was sentenced to 57 months in prison. Ronald Carter was convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge J. Michael Kennedy and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Bryan DalPorto.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
