BUFFALO — Theodore Hines, 32, of Lackawanna, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, crack cocaine, before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Burgasser, who is handling the case, stated that between June and August, 2014, the defendant sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant working with law enforcement officers. The purchases occurred within 1000 feet of the Gates Housing Projects in Lackawanna.
Hines is one of 18 defendants arrested in a large scale drug trafficking operation that operated in and near the Gates Housing Project. To date, seven defendants have been convicted. 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 21.