STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO — Sharon Thompson, 25, of Lackawanna, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, crack cocaine within 1000 feet of a public housing property, and conspiracy to retaliate against an informant, before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Burgasser, who is handling the case, stated that on May 7, 2014, the defendant sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant working with the Lackawanna Police Department. The purchase occurred within 1000 feet of the Gates Housing Projects in Lackawanna. On October 11, 2014, Thompson and another individual assaulted another individual who they believed was cooperating with law enforcement officers. In addition, they stole case and a cell phone from the victim while the victim was unconscious.
Thompson is one of 18 defendants arrested in a large scale drug trafficking operation that operated in and near the Gates Housing Project. To date, eight defendants have been convicted. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Adam S. Cohen, Special Agent-in-Charge.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 20.
