United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Special Agent in Charge James Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Rashawn Crule, 42, of Buffalo, N.Y. pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and an $8,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash, who is handling the case, said that between June 2013 and September 2015, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute and distributed various illegal narcotics including heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine and cocaine. Crule also maintained premises at 98 Gillette Avenue in Buffalo for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing and using these illegal narcotics. The defendant also allegedly possessed a 9mm handgun. 

Crule made two sales of heroin to an individual working with the DEA. On Nov. 2, 2015 investigators executed a search warrant and seized $74,878 in U.S. currency and a 14-karat white gold necklace from the defendant’s residence at 22 Homer Avenue in Buffalo, which represented drug trafficking proceeds. A second search warrant was executed at 98 Gillette Street in Buffalo, where investigators seized heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cocaine. A firearm and 11 rounds of ammunition were also seized.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the DEA's Buffalo Resident Office, New York Field Division; the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team; and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit. 

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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