Lackawanna Man Pleads Guilty To Selling Crack Cocaine Near A Housing Project

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Waldemar Pabon, 29, of Lackawanna, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, crack cocaine within 1000 feet of a public housing authority before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 80 years in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Burgasser, who is handling the case, stated that between early 2014 and December 5, 2014, Pabon conspired with others to possess and distribute crack cocaine. The defendant agreed to purchase various amounts of crack cocaine from several individuals and distribute it to certain friends and acquaintances. Pabon collected money from his friends and acquaintances and used the money to purchase more crack cocaine from other individuals in and around the Lackawanna Gates Housing Projects. The defendant then distributed the crack cocaine to his friends and acquaintances. 

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Ashan Benedict, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; and the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of James L. Michel, Chief of Police.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 19, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Skretny.