United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BUFFALO, N.Y. – DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan and U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., announced that Donald Hennings, 32, of Buffalo, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, butyryl fentanyl and furanyl fentanyl. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that on three separate occasions in September and October 2016, the Hamburg Police Department conducted controlled purchases of butyryl fentanyl from the defendant. In addition, in October and November 2016, Hamburg Police conducted six controlled purchases of furanyl fentanyl from Hennings.

On Dec. 7, 2016, a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence on Southside Parkway in Buffalo. Officers recovered quantities of furanyl fentanyl and crack cocaine, multiple grinders, a digital scale, and blue envelopes and rubber bands commonly used to package controlled substances. Hennings was arrested inside a 2012 Chevy Traverse vehicle, which he used during several of the controlled purchases. In the door panel on the driver’s side, where the defendant was sitting, officers found an additional quantity of furanyl fentanyl.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Hamburg Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Buffalo Resident Office, New York Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 25, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.

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