United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BUFFALO, N.Y. - James J. Hunt, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement (DEA), and U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Larry Smith, Jr., 39, of Buffalo, NY, with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; and maintaining a drug involved premises. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between June 9 and July 27, 2017, the defendant possessed and distributed crack cocaine in the Buffalo area. In addition, on October 5, 2017, Smith possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it. The indictment further charges that the defendant used 56 Burgard Place in Buffalo for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and using cocaine.

The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt.

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.