U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Lloyd Smith, a 25-year-old resident of Amherst, New York, has pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine and fentanyl. The charges could result in a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan detailed the events leading to the charges. On May 27 and 28, 2023, Smith used Snapchat and text messages to communicate with an individual identified as K.W. about purchasing narcotics. On May 28, Smith met with K.W. and another person identified as J.D., selling them the drugs.
After consuming the narcotics, J.D. lost consciousness, prompting Smith to move him from his vehicle to J.D.'s own vehicle before leaving him there. K.W. also became unconscious at that time. A good Samaritan called 911, leading Amherst Police to respond to the overdose scene where they found both individuals unresponsive but alive.
Police discovered two baggies in K.W.'s pocket containing substances that tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl; these were traced back to Smith's sale.
The investigation was conducted by the Amherst Police Department under Chief Scott Chamberlin and the Drug Enforcement Administration led by Frank Tarentino of the New York Field Division.
Smith is scheduled for sentencing on November 3, 2025, before Judge Vilardo.
