Canadian Man Sentenced On Cocaine 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 John Lambert, 65, of Canada, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to 63 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga, who handled the case, stated that in 2013, co-defendant Harvey Peake recruited Lambert to assist in transporting illegal narcotics. On October 3, 2016, Peake and Lambert traveled to the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo to deliver 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 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.

Harvey Peake has been convicted and its awaiting sentencing.

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.