STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO — Clarence Adams, 35, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty, before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum 20 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $20,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that on May 13, 2016, law enforcement officers seized three packages containing cocaine that were shipped from Texas to Buffalo to various recipients. The cocaine was hidden inside air purifiers. Officers seized two of the packages before they were delivered and set-up controlled deliveries to addresses on Tyler and Custer Streets in Buffalo. The three packages contained a total of five kilograms of cocaine. Adams recruited five individuals to receive the packages. He and co-defendant Robert Hall paid the recipients of the packages in money or crack cocaine. A total of 19 packages were shipped from Texas to Buffalo and each package contained at least one kilogram of cocaine.
During a search of the defendant’s home, law enforcement officers found a drug ledger, multiple cell phones, rubber gloves, digital scale and other drug paraphernalia.
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 Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police, under the direction of Chief George Gast; and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 17, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.