Amherst Man Arrested, Charged with Drug Charges

          BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Charles Jones, 40, of Amherst, N.Y., was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, a fine of up to $8,000,000 or both.

            Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Opanga, who is handling the case, stated that on August 20, 2013, law enforcement officers pulled over a vehicle in the City of Buffalo. According to the complaint, the defendant was lying down in the backseat in an attempt to avoid police detection. Officers searched the car and discovered the suspect. During subsequent searches of a nearby business and residence, officers recovered quantities of cocaine and marijuana and approximately $16,000 in cash.

            The defendant made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder. Jones is being held pending a detention hearing on August 28, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.

            The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division.

            The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.