Crime & Safety
4 accused in drug trafficking operation stretching from California to Buffalo
Buffalo, N.Y./Rochester, N.Y. – Four people are charged in connection with a drug ring that prosecutors say stretched from California to Buffalo.
A grand jury indicted 50-year-old Eleazar Martinez Medina and 39-year-old David Washington, who is also known as Dirty Dave, Dirt and Wavey Davey, with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distributing five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Two others, 47-year-old David Burgin and 32-year-old Rodney Pierce, were arrested for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Burgin was also charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
The four are accused of trafficking cocaine, fentanyl and crack cocaine across the United States for the purpose of sale and distribution in Buffalo.
Search warrants were executed at a dozen residences over the course of the investigation. Prosecutors say several guns, marijuana, hydraulically-operated traps, cash, more than two kilograms of fentanyl, more than seven kilograms of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine and drug packaging materials were seized.
If convicted, Washington and Medina could face at least 10 years in prison, and the possibility of life in prison. Washington was arraigned and remains in custody ahead of a detention hearing. Medina was arraigned in California and is due back in New York at a later time.
Burgin and Pierce made initial court appearances and were released on conditions. Burgin faces at least 10 years in prison if convicted and a possibility of life in prison. Pierce faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison if convicted.
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