North Tonawanda man arrested, facing multiple drug and gun charges

BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tre Smitherman, 31, North Tonawanda, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on November 6, 2024, the Niagara County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Smitherman’s Oliver Street residence and on his vehicle. During the searches, investigators recovered a loaded pistol, quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and $3,789.00 in cash. In 2014, Smitherman was convicted of a felony in New York State Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.

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.

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