U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross | U.S. Department of Justice
A Buffalo man has been indicted on charges related to the distribution of fentanyl that resulted in two fatalities. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Rashaun Crule, 30, from Buffalo, New York. The charges include narcotics conspiracy and distribution of fentanyl leading to death, with penalties ranging from a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, handling the case, detailed that in February 2023, Crule allegedly distributed fentanyl to two individuals identified as M.M. and B.Y. in Amherst, New York. The victims reportedly believed they were purchasing cocaine but received pure fentanyl instead. After ingesting the substance, both overdosed and died shortly thereafter; their bodies were discovered days later.
Further investigation revealed that Crule had deleted messages between himself and one victim from his cell phone. Additionally, five months following the deaths, he allegedly joked via text about the potency of his fentanyl using laughing emojis when another individual suggested it was strong enough to cause overdoses.
At the time of these events, Crule was on probation for a previous felony drug conviction from Erie County in 2022.
The indictment followed an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Field Division under Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino and the Amherst Police Department led by Chief Scott Chamberlin.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; Rashaun Crule is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
