A Buffalo man, Julius M. Hatten, 35, has been arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as being a felon in possession of ammunition. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, the charges stem from a search conducted on September 25, 2025, at Hatten’s residence on Eckhert Street. Authorities reportedly seized over two kilograms of suspected cocaine, more than 300 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 100 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, drug paraphernalia, two metal kilogram presses, 30 rounds of ammunition, two cell phones, and $21,740 in cash during the operation. A search of Hatten’s vehicle also led to the recovery of additional quantities of crack cocaine, fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine.
Hatten has previous felony convictions from Erie County Court in August 2011 and Federal Court in August 2018. These convictions prohibit him from legally possessing firearms or ammunition.
Hatten appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy for his initial hearing and is being held pending a detention hearing.
The investigation involved the Buffalo Police Department under Commissioner Alphonso Wright; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff John Garcia; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo emphasized: "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."
If convicted on all charges, Hatten faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to 40 years behind bars as well as fines up to $5 million.
