STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a Rashawn Crule, 42, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $8,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2013 and September 2015, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute and distributed various illegal narcotics including heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine and cocaine. Crule also maintained a premises at 98 Gillette Avenue in Buffalo for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing and using these illegal narcotics. The defendant also allegedly possessed a 9mm handgun.
Crule made two sales of heroin to an individual working with the DEA. On November 2, 2015, investigators executed a search warrant and seized $74,878 in U.S. currency and a 14 karat white gold necklace form the defendant’s residence at 22 Homer Avenue in Buffalo, which represented drug trafficking proceeds. A second search warrant was executed at 98 Gillette Street in Buffalo where investigators seized heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cocaine. A firearm and 11 rounds of ammunition were also seized.
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; the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Detail Commander Mary Clark and Lieutenant Kevin Reyes, CNET West Commander; and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
