Drug dealer caught on surveillance video pleads guilty
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. and Special Agent in Charge James Hunt, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division announced today that Dion Cheatham, 44, of Lockport, N.Y, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan A. Tokash and Michael P. Felicetta, who are handling the case, stated that between June 2013 and September 2015, the defendant distributed heroin and fentanyl to multiple customers that were supplied to him by codefendant Trent Hamilton. Prior to engaging in drug transactions, Cheatham went to Hamilton's house at 184 High Street in Lockport to obtain heroin and fentanyl for resale. On Dec. 13, 2014, the defendant was intercepted on the phone engaging in a coded conversation with Hamilton for the purpose of acquiring controlled substances for re-distribution. Soon after the intercepted phone call, video surveillance captured Cheatham arriving at 184 High Street.
Charges are pending against co-defendant Trent Hamilton. 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.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the DEA Buffalo Resident Office; the Lockport Police Department; and the Niagara County Drug Task Force.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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