Buffalo Man Sentenced On Heroin Charge

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a Rashawn Crule, 43, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash, who handled the case, stated that between June 2013 and September 2015, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute and distributed various illegal narcotics including kilograms of heroin, as well as fentanyl, crack cocaine and cocaine. Crule volunteered at the Saunders Community Center where DEA agents observed him leaving the center to drive to his stash house, and return to make sales. The defendant also maintained a drug-involved premises at 98 Gillette Avenue in Buffalo for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing and using these illegal narcotics. Crule also possessed a 9mm handgun. 

Crule made two sales of heroin to an individual working with the DEA. On November 2, 2015, investigators executed a search warrant and seized $74,878 in U.S. currency and a 14 karat white gold necklace form the defendant’s residence at 22 Homer Avenue in Buffalo, which represented drug trafficking proceeds. After his arrest, the defendant told agents that he previously received three kilograms of heroin from co-defendant Troy Gillon and that he could readily get five more kilograms for distribution. A second search warrant was executed at 98 Gillette Street in Buffalo where investigators seized heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cocaine. A firearm and 11 rounds of ammunition were also seized.

Troy Gillon was convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Detail Commander Mary Clark and Lieutenant Kevin Reyes, CNET West Commander; and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations.  

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