Skip to main content
Press Release

Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy Charge

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York
 

BUFFALO, N.Y.-- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Juan Montanez, 47, of Buffalo, NY., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Chief Judge Richard J. Arcara, to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and cocaine.  The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both.

            Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who is handling the case, stated that Montanez was one of three defendants arrested on March 6, 2012 after law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Buffalo. Officers seized heroin, cocaine, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.

            Defendant Erick Joel Reyes Barretto was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and was sentenced to 60 months in prison in April 2013. Pascual Giovanny Navarro Gonzalez is scheduled to go to trial on August 6, 2013.

            The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian R. Crowell, New York Field Division, the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, under the direction of Colonel John Born.

            Sentencing is scheduled for October 4, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Skretny.

 

 

Updated December 9, 2014