STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Michael Mitchell, 37, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2013 and September 2015, the defendant conspired with others sell heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. Mitchell received heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine base from co-defendant Troy Gillon for distribution to other dealers in the Lockport and Niagara Falls area.
The defendant was intercepted, pursuant to court-authorized wiretaps, on his cellular telephone. Mitchell’s intercepted calls related to drug transactions, in which he arranged for sales of controlled substances and included discussions in which he discussed price, quantity, and location of sales. In addition, the defendant made several narcotic sales to an individual working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Mitchell utilized a residence at 1154 LaSalle in Lockport to store the drugs he received from Troy Gillon for distribution.
Charges remain pending against Troy Gillon. 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 Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Steven Preisch; and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Voutour.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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