Buffalo man sentenced to 17 years in federal prison on gun and drug charges
BUFFALO, N.Y. – DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge James Hunt and U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., announced today that Jay Neal, 40, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of eight counts including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more heroin; possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin; maintaining a drug involved premises; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity; being a felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of a defaced firearm, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that on Oct. 20, 2015, Neal sold a quantity of heroin to an individual working with the DEA. The following day, on Oct. 21, 2015, Neal once again agreed to sell a quantity of heroin. Neal drove to a residence at 87 Mariner Street in Buffalo. About an hour later, Neal and co-defendant Quashawn Lawrence were arrested by police. At the time of his arrest, Neal was armed with a 9mm handgun and had $10,000 in cash. A search warrant executed inside 87 Mariner recovered two guns, ammunition, 10 grams of heroin inside a dresser drawer, and multiple scales.
In 1997, Neal was convicted in state court of attempted murder and robbery in the 1st degree. As a result of those convictions, Neal was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the DEA, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department.
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