A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving fentanyl distribution and illegal firearm possession. Jeremy Hodge, 39, admitted in court to possessing with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with the possibility of up to 40 years and a fine reaching $5 million.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the plea before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola said that on April 4, 2025, the FBI searched Hodge’s home on Ernst Avenue, his vehicle, and his person. Law enforcement officers seized a semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia during the search. Hodge was arrested at the scene.
Hodge had prior felony convictions from April 2008 and March 2009, making it illegal for him to possess firearms.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, which brings together resources from across the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration and target cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation coordinates efforts through programs such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force under Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
Sentencing is set for December 8, 2025 before Judge Vilardo.
"U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jeremy Hodge, 39, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine."
"Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that on April 4, 2025, the FBI executed a search warrant at Hodge’s Ernst Avenue residence, on his vehicle, and person. Law enforcement seized a semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Hodge was arrested at the scene. He was previously convicted of felony charges in April 2008 and March 2009, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm."
"This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)."
"The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm."
"Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2025 before Judge Vilardo."
