United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., and DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan announced today that Andrew Tingling, 39, of Elmira, N.Y., was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that the charges stem from an investigation conducted involving the sale of heroin in Elmira. On March 1, 2019, law enforcement officers from multiple agencies executed a search warrant at 207 South Avenue in Elmira. During the search, officers seized over $50,000 U.S. currency, paraphernalia for the processing and distribution of narcotics, approximately 300 grams of fentanyl and a loaded .22 caliber handgun. Tingling was located inside the residence.

In March 1998, the defendant was convicted in New York State court of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and in March 2008, Tingling was convicted in Chemung County court of attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. As a result, the defendant is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The criminal complaint was the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Elmira Police Department; the New York State Police, Community Narcotics Enforcement Team, Southern Tier; Chemung County Sheriff’s Office; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Rochester Resident Office, New York Field Division.

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.

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