United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy and James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement (DEA) New York Division announced today that Harvey Peake, 61, 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 87 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Adler and Patricia Astorga, who handled the case, stated that in 2013, Peake recruited co-defendant John Lambert to assist in the transporting of illegal narcotics for distribution. On October 3, 2016, Peake and Lambert traveled to the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo to hand off 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 of 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.

Lambert was convicted and sentenced to 63 months in prison.

Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Albany District Office, New York Division.