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 Byron Cobb, aka Tone, 39, of Cheektowaga, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth T. Molisani and Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who are handling the case, stated that in July 2017, the DEA began investigating the narcotics trafficking activities of the defendant. Between July 27, 2018, and Feb. 13, 2018, investigators conducted 11 controlled purchases of heroin from Cobb. 

On Feb. 20, 2018, investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s Sidney Street residence in Buffalo. Officers seized multiple plastic bags containing suspected fentanyl, two digital scales, a strainer with suspected drug residue, and drug packaging materials.

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

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 25, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.

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