BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Anika Williams, 44, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of 4-fluroisobutyryl fentanyl. 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 Michael Adler, who is handling the case, stated that between June and November 9, 2017, the defendant conspired with others, including co-defendant Jawayne Watkins, to distribute 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl and heroin.
On two separate occasions in September 2017, Williams sold heroin containing 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl to another individual who was arrested with the substances. The defendant sold drugs obtained from Watkins on a near-daily basis during this time period.
Charges remain pending against Jawayne Watkins who is accused of distributing heroin and 4 fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl causing the death of an individual identified as A.C. 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.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard.
Sentenced is scheduled for Aug. 28, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara. #
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
