Canadian Man Pleads Guilty To Cocaine Charge

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

BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy announced today that John Lambert, 65, of Canada, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. the charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga, who is handling the case, stated that in 2013, co-defendant Harvey Peake recruited Lambert to assist in the transporting of illegal narcotics for distribution. On October 3, 2016, Peake and Lambert traveled to the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo to hand off 10 kilograms of cocaine. The two men met briefly with a third individual in the casino and then walked towards the parking garage where Peake’s vehicle was parked. Lambert got into the driver’s seat and tapped the brake lights to signal their location to the third individual. Peake then opened the trunk of and removed a suitcase. The third individual pulled up next to the vehicle and Peake attempted to give the suitcase to the individual. Peake and Lambert were then arrested. Law enforcement officers seized the suitcase, which contained approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine.

Charges are pending against Harvey Peake. 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.
 
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 December 14, 2017 before Judge Geraci.