BUFFALO, N.Y. - Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Curtis Nalls, 38, John Banks, 34, and Cassondra McDougald, 32, all of Niagara Falls, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to smuggle over 100 kilograms of marijuana into the United States from Canada. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $4,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in November 2016, Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) Buffalo received information that defendants John Banks and Curtis Nalls were involved in drug trafficking and smuggling activity from Canada to the Niagara Falls, NY area. An investigation was initiated it was determined that between July 28, 2016, and July 25, 2017, Balls, Nalls and Cassondra McDougald, individually and together, participated in the organization and/or transport of marijuana from Canada through the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry into the United States approximately 39 times, each time carrying approximately 10 to 30 pounds.
On July 25, 2017, law enforcement officers learned that McDougald traveled to Canada and back to the United States. They surveilled McDougald and followed her to her residence on Cudaback Avenue in Niagara Fall. That same day, United States Probation Officers approached Nalls and Banks who were traveling in a vehicle on Packard Road in Niagara Falls. Upon approach, officers observed that the passenger side door panel of the vehicle had been removed, revealing black and blue taped bundles in the natural void of the door. Nalls was on federal probation at the time which resulted in a search of the car and his residence. During the searches, officers seized 30 bundles of suspected marijuana; a quantity of loose, suspected marijuana; two suspected marijuana plants; $22,061 in cash; two pistols with magazines; ammunition; and a Hydraulicpress.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. Defendant Nalls is being detained, defendants Banks and McDoualg were released on conditions.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James C. Spero, and the United States Probation Department, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Anthony SanGiacomo.
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.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
