United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, Drug Enforcement (DEA), and U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Joseph Thompson, 58, of Lockport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute heroin, crack cocaine and fentanyl. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.  United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, and New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant is accused of selling heroin and fentanyl at his residence on Elmwood Avenue in Lockport. A search warrant executed at the residence recovered two digital scales, cash, baggies, as well as heroin, crack cocaine and fentanyl.  

The defendant was ordered detained following a detention hearing today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie G. Foschio.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Buffalo Resident Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Lawrence Eggert and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Voutour.

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.