Three Buffalo Men Arrested; Accused of Possessing and Distributing Cocaine and Crack Cocaine

BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Mashi Phillips, 38, Isaiah Washington, 27, and Rayshawn Minter, 34, all of Buffalo, are charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine. Phillips is also charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine or both.
           
            Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank T. Pimintel, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaints, the defendants distributed quantities of cocaine in parts of the City of Buffalo including French Street and Box and Glenwood Avenues. Between November 2012 and March 2013, the defendants each sold cocaine or crack cocaine.
  
            The complaints are the result of an investigation by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian R. Crowell, New York Field Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.
 
            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.