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Press Release

Two Men Arrested And Charged With Conspiracy To Distribute Ecstasy And Molly

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York

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

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Richard Clarke, 47, a Canadian citizen residing in Buffalo, and Barrett Johnson, 32, of Jamestown, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.

“Synthetic drugs such as ecstasy and molly can be deadly and have no place on the streets of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “As always, we work closely with our law enforcement partners at every level to ensure all drugs, including synthetics, and those who deal in them are brought to justice.”  

“These dangerous synthetic drugs are wreaking havoc in communities all over the country and right here in Western New York,” said HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “As today’s charges clearly demonstrate, HSI will continue to aggressively target the individuals and groups distributing this poison.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the investigation began in March of 2015. Clarke was identified through surveillance as the supplier of MDA and MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, to Johnson over a 10-month period. On January 28, 2016, law enforcement officers established surveillance at Clarke’s Nottingham Terrace residence in Buffalo and Johnson’s business, Iconz Barbershop on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo. Officers trailed Clarke and Johnson to Elmwood Avenue where they observed Johnson approaching Clarke’s vehicle and the two exchanged what appeared to be a blue colored bottle.

Subsequently, officers executed a search warrant at Iconz Barbershop where Johnson was arrested. At the time of the arrest, the defendant threw all of the items in his hands to the ground including a blue Pepsi cup which contained a substance similar to molly.  

During the execution of a search warrant at Clarke’s Nottingham Terrance residence, officers seized specific amounts of powder molly and ecstasy pills as well as approximately $13,000 in cash.    

The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder this morning and were released on conditions.    

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero and the Border Enforcement Security Taskforce which includes the Ontario Provincial Police, Niagara Regional Police, Peel Regional Police and Toronto Police Services.

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.

Updated February 2, 2016