14 people sentenced for selling cocaine and fentanyl in WNY

BUFFALO, NY — New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced Thursday that 14 people from Western New York have been convicted for their roles in a drug trafficking ring.

After an 18-month investigation, it was discovered that cocaine and fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone worth more than $250,000 had been sold in Erie and Niagara counties.

“Stopping drug trafficking operations that sell deadly narcotics is essential to keeping New Yorkers safe,” the Attorney General said.

“Not only did these dealers distribute deadly amounts of fentanyl, but they also put New Yorkers in further danger by disguising their drugs as prescription pills. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for helping secure these convictions. »

Each individual pleaded guilty and was sentenced to state prison, according to the attorney general.

The convictions are as follows:

• Eric Richmond, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to three years in prison followed by two years of post-release supervision.
• Charles Sims of Buffalo pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree (a class A-II felony). He was sentenced to nine years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
• Musa Ramadan of Buffalo pleaded guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree (a class A-II felony). He was sentenced to eight years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
• Tevin Jeter of Buffalo pleaded guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to four years in prison followed by two years of post-release supervision.
• Michael McPhee of Lockport pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision.
• Devon Jones and Jasper Lewis, both of Buffalo, pleaded guilty, respectively, to criminal possession of a controlled substance. Lewis was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison followed by two years of post-release supervision, and Jones received the same sentence.
• Ronald Washington of Buffalo pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance. Washington was sentenced to five years probation.
• Negmarie Marcano, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance. She was sentenced to five years of probation.
• Michael Clark Jr., of Buffalo, pleaded guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree (a class A-II felony). He was sentenced to 3.5 years in state prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
• Anthony Fugate of Buffalo pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to five years of probation.
• Melanie Duchnik and Ronnie Cason, both of Buffalo, separately pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance. Both were sentenced to five years of probation.
• Tajine Benning, of Niagara Falls, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to five years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.