BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Steven Paschell, 48, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to distribution of butyryl fentanyl before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that on three separate occasions between Nov. 1, 2016, and Dec. 12, 2016, the defendant sold quantities of butyryl fentanyl to a confidential source working the DEA.
A subsequent search of Paschell’s residence on Carmel Road in Buffalo recovered a glassine envelope containing a powder substance, a scale, various packaging materials including glassine envelopes marked “Mojo," an empty bottle of a cutting agent, a metal spoon and pieces of ripped plastic bags. Forensic testing determined that the substance in the glassine envelope was butyryl fentanyl.
The plea 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
