Man found in vacant apartment indicted for possession of methamphetamine
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, and Chautauqua County Sheriff James B. Quattrone announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Harry J. Radke, 44, of Mayville, New York, with possessing with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on January 27, 2020, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office received information that multiple individuals were living in apartments at a residence on South Erie Street in Mayville. After speaking with the owner of the building, deputies learned that, except for one, the apartments were supposed to be empty because the building was in the process of being renovated. Deputies were given permission by the owner to go into the apartment building and clear out the individuals who were not supposed to be in the building.
As deputies were clearing the apartments in the building, they found an unmarked third floor apartment. As they were preparing to make entry, the defendant came out of the apartment and was taken into custody. While clearing the apartment, deputies noticed signs of methamphetamine possession, production, and distribution. As a result, they called the Drug Enforcement Administration for assistance. During a search of the apartment, investigators discovered scales, hypodermic needles, plastic baggies, and a red medical bag. Inside, they found brake fluid bottle with a false bottom. Inside the false bottom was an ounce of methamphetamine. Investigators also found a pair of boots in the apartment with the wallet and the defendant’s identification inside them.
The defendant is currently detained and scheduled to be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy on Tuesday April 28, 2020, at 2:00 p.m.
The indictment is the result of a joint investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA Buffalo Resident Office.
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.
