Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty To Cocaine Possession

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Swazine Swindle, 43, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker, who is handling the case, stated that on September 22, 2021, the Buffalo Police Department Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant on a vehicle in the vicinity of 320 Kenmore Avenue in Buffalo. During the search, Swindle was in the driver's seat of the vehicle. Investigators seized approximately four plastic bags, which contained a total of 10 grams of crack cocaine, and $3,349 in cash. Prior to executing the search warrant, investigators observed Swindle enter and exit 319 Kenmore Avenue. After securing the vehicle, a search warrant was executed at the residence and approximately 1.79 grams of cocaine was seized as well as two digital scales.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 31, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.  

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