Buffalo Man Sentenced On Drug And Money Laundering Charges

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE:  (716) 843-5817
FAX #:    (716) 551-3051
 
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Anthony Avery, 47, of Buffalo, NY, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine and money laundering, was sentenced to 120 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that beginning in early 2010 and continuing through June 14 2011, the defendant distributed between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine in the Buffalo area. Avery initially obtained cocaine from a source in Ohio. This source utilized Linda Johnson to transport the cocaine to Avery in Buffalo. Later on, Avery obtained cocaine from Tyree Bishop, who was obtaining the cocaine in Detroit, Michigan.

Co-defendants Spiwe Barnes, Linda Johnson and Tyree Bishop have all been convicted.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard. Assistance was also provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Frank Sedita.