BUFFALO — Steven Martinez, 51, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. In addition, Jeffrey Coleman, 47, also of buffalo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Both charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that Coleman was the courier of a heroin distribution conspiracy which brought heroin to Buffalo from New York City. Coleman was stopped on February 26, 2014, and found in possession of more than $65,000 in cash which was payment for the delivery of heroin. Within the currency was a note, written and signed by Martinez which served as a receipt for the delivery and an order for another delivery in the future. Martinez was also stopped and found in possession of more than $2000 and a small quantity of heroin.
Also on Feb. 26, 2014, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence on West Delavan Avenue in Buffalo. During the search, officers recovered more than 100 grams of heroin, drug packaging paraphernalia, and $4,000 in cash.
Coleman is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11. Martinez is due to be sentenced on May 15.
from US Dept. of Justice via IFTTT
