United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division and U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jose Velez, 36, of Buffalo, New York with five counts of distribution of heroin and fentanyl. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on four separate occasions between June 1 and July 12, 2017, the defendant distributed heroin and fentanyl in the Buffalo area.

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being detained.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the DEA Buffalo Resident Office and the Buffalo Police Department.

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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