STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO — Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Raymond Hopson, 32, and Lindsay Carrier, 32 both of Niagara Falls, NY, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine base, possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and maintaining a drug involved premises. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that, between July 2016 and November 9, 2016, and April 2017 and May 17, 2017, the defendants conspired with others to possess and sell crack cocaine in in the Niagara Falls area.
The complaint 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 Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Bryan DalPorto.
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.
