Niagara Falls man pleads guilty to meth charge

BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Charles Barker, 70, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated on June 13, 2025, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) was alerted to a parcel being shipped from Arizona to Niagara Falls, that was consistent with parcels containing narcotics. USPIS investigators executed a search warrant on the parcel, which was found to contain approximately 703 grams of crystal methamphetamine. On June 17, 2025, a controlled delivery of the parcel was conducted to the 77th Street residence of Barker, who was listed as the recipient. Barker was arrested after accepting the parcel, which had been replaced with sham methamphetamine. During a search of the residence, investigators recovered quantities of crystal methamphetamine and cocaine, a shotgun, and $25,821 in cash.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli, Boston Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.