Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty In Drug Conspiracy

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y.- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Elias Figueroa, 47, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that on February 26, 2014, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence on West Delavan Avenue. During the search, officers recovered more than 100 grams of heroin, drug packaging paraphernalia, and $4,000 in cash.

The charges against two other individuals who ware also arrested that day and are alleged to have been in the heroin distribution conspiracy which brought heroin to Buffalo from New York City remain pending.

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.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 10, 2017, before Judge Vilardo.