Tonawanda Buffalo Convicted by Jury of Drug Charges

         BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Anthony Bishop, 42, of Tonawanda, New York, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. As a prior convicted drug felon, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $20,000,000 fine.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Duszkiewicz, who is handling the case, stated that on February 13, 2012, the defendant placed a call to the Buffalo Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Bishop alerted agents to an alleged drug trafficking conspiracy transporting and distributing 50 kilograms a month from Chicago to Buffalo. That information resulted in the arrest of seven defendants, all of whom have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing. During the course of that investigation, it was determined that Bishop was actually part of the conspiracy, and that he made the initial call to law enforcement to remove possible competitors.

Also during the investigation, agents seized more than $550,000 in cash, approximately two kilos of cocaine, other drug paraphernalia, four weapons, and a Ford Mustang.

The conviction is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 28, 2014 at 12:30 P.M. before U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.