BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy announced today that Maikel Gonzalez, 20, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. In addition, Luis Montanez, 37, also of Buffalo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who handled the case, stated that between January 2015 and Sept. 28, 2015, Maikel Gonzalez conspired with others to distribute heroin on the West Side of Buffalo. The investigation utilized undercover purchases conducted by the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) and the Buffalo Police Department.
Gonzalez was a street-level distributors or “runner" in a heroin trafficking ring operated by Daniel Molina-Rios. The organization acquired heroin from the New York City area for distribution in Buffalo but also had an alternate heroin source locally.
Luis Montanez supplied the Molina-Rios drug trafficking organization with heroin for approximately three weeks when the original source of heroin supply was not satisfying its illegal drug-using customers. Montanez’s heroin supply was distributed to a wide network of illegal drug-using customers. The defendant also maintained a premise at 221 Gorton Street in Buffalo for distributing the heroin. A search of the residence on June 18, 2015 revealed a box of glassine bags for heroin distribution, two digital scales, and an individual health card in the name of Luis Montanez with heroin residue.
A total of 15 defendants have been indicted in connection with this case, 14 have been convicted. Charges are pending against the remaining defendant. 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.
Luis Montanez is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 16, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
Today’s sentencing and plea are is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Major David Krause and Lieutenant Kevin Reyes, CNET West Commander; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
