STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO — Michael Clark, 33, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty, before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, to distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who is handling the case, stated that as part of an undercover operation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, controlled purchases of “heroin” were made from Clark on three occasions during March and April of 2017. On two of those occasions, the “heroin” turned out to contain fentanyl only and no heroin. During the three transactions, defendant distributed approximately 70 grams of powder containing fentanyl.
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.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 30, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
