STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO — Stevie Alejandro, 31, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of cocaine before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant operated the Barberians Barber Shop at 1132 East Lovejoy Street, which is located directly across from Buffalo Public School #43, the Lovejoy Discovery School. Between May 2017 and October 18, 2017, the defendant utilized the barber shop to facilitate a drug distribution network. Alejandro conspired with co-defendants Aaron Hill, Cleophus Dentmond, a/k/a Face, Gilbert Guzman, Catherine Ramos, and others, to distribute cocaine in the Lovejoy District.
During the conspiracy, Alejandro conducted negotiations with an undercover law enforcement officer regarding the sale, cost, amount, and delivery of cocaine. Then, the defendant, or one of his co-conspirators, would conduct the drug transaction with the undercover officer. Co-conspirators who conducted any transactions returned the proceeds to the defendant. A total of 14 cocaine sales took place with the undercover officer.
Charges are pending against defendants Aaron Hill, Cleophus Dentmond, Gilbert Guzman, and Catherine Ramos. 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 James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zak; and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard
Sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
