U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced on Mar. 20 that Ronnie Powell, 40, and Daniqua S. Dixon, 34, both of Buffalo, New York, have been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.
The case is significant due to the alleged connection between the suspects and the Bloods street gang, which authorities describe as a violent group operating in Buffalo. Law enforcement agencies say that members of this gang have been involved in various violent crimes including drug and firearm trafficking.
Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine said that the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Buffalo Police Department, and the Buffalo Police Gang Intelligence Unit have been investigating the Bloods' activities in Buffalo. Investigators identified numerous members and gang territory on the east side of the city. According to Antoine, "Bloods gang members are known to commit violent criminal acts in furtherance of the gang to protect gang-controlled territory and houses associated with the gang." Powell and Dixon are suspected members based on their tattoos indicating affiliation and their associations with other known Bloods members.
Authorities determined that Powell and Dixon supplied narcotics to various individuals. On March 18, investigators executed a search warrant at a South Domedian residence used by Powell and Dixon. During this operation they seized two loaded firearms, a brick of suspected cocaine, quantities of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $10,333 in cash. That same day investigators conducted a traffic stop resulting in Powell's arrest.
The investigation was carried out by the Buffalo Police Department under Acting Commissioner Craig Macy; the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera; and the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam.
Officials remind that "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."
