Niagara Falls Man Arrested On Multiple Charges, Including Possession Of An Explosive Device

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jeffrey Richards, 28, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; maintaining a drug-involved premises; and making and possessing an unlawful destructive device. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and fine of up to $5,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Brendan T. Cullinane, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force revealed that defendant was a significant narcotics trafficker who also manufactured improvised explosive devices. Through the investigation, agents learned that Richards obtains heroin and other narcotics from suppliers which he redistributed in the Niagara Falls area. 

On December 14, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on Packard Court in Niagara Falls. Officers recovered amounts of suspected heroin, marijuana, and cocaine, approximately 10 firearms, various rounds of ammunition, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and an improvised explosive device. Officers also recovered various items used in the manufacturing of explosive devices.

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is detained.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division, and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Bryan DalPorto.

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.