Charles Barker, a 70-year-old resident of Niagara Falls, New York, has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Barker entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and could result in up to 40 years behind bars, as well as a fine of up to $5 million.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, the case began on June 13, 2025, when the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) identified a suspicious parcel being shipped from Arizona to Niagara Falls. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the package and discovered it contained approximately 703 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
A controlled delivery was conducted on June 17, 2025, at Barker’s residence on 77th Street in Niagara Falls. Barker accepted the parcel, which had been replaced with sham methamphetamine by law enforcement officials prior to delivery. After accepting the package, Barker was arrested.
During a subsequent search of his home, authorities found additional quantities of crystal methamphetamine and cocaine, along with a shotgun and $25,821 in cash.
"The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli, Boston Division," according to the statement from federal prosecutors.
