Niagara Falls Man Indicted On Multiple Charges, Including Making And Possessing An Explosive Device

BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 12-count indictment charging Jeffrey Richards, 28, of Niagara Falls, NY, with narcotics conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, and alprazolam; maintaining a drug involved-premises; manufacturing controlled substances creating a substantial risk of harm to human life; unlawfully making and possessing a destructive device; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; and, possession of a stolen firearm. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and fine of $5,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Brendan T. Cullinane, who are handling the case, stated that on December 14, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on Packard Court in Niagara Falls. At that time, officers recovered, among other items, amounts of acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, alprazolam, approximately ten firearms, various rounds of ammunition, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and an improvised destructive device. Officers also recovered various items used in the manufacturing of destructive devices.

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

The indictment 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 John B. Devito, New York Field Division, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Thomas Licata, and the Niagara County Sheriff's Department, under the direction of Sheriff James Voutour.

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.