STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO — Brian Donaldson, 50, of Webster, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. District Court Judge William M. Skretny. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that the Drug Enforcement Administration received a tip regarding the drug trafficking activities of the defendant and his co-defendant Pablo Ulloa. On October 27, 2016, Hamburg Police conducted surveillance at a local motel where the defendants were staying. At approximately 9:15 p.m., Donaldson left the motel and was subsequently pulled over in a traffic stop by Hamburg officers. A search of the vehicle recovered a small quantity of methamphetamine, and a lock box which contained a much larger quantity of methamphetamine.
A search was then conducted of the motel room where Donaldson and Ulloa were staying. During that search, officers recovered more containers of methamphetamine, several cellular telephones, drug packaging materials, a scale and pipes.
Charges are pending against Pablo Ulloa. 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.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gregory Wickett.
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 28.
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