Buffalo Man Charged With Selling Drugs That Led To A Death Faces Life In Prison

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Steven Gonzalez, a/k/a Unc, 44, of Buffalo, NY, with distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl causing death; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl; possessing with intent to distribute heroin; and using and maintaining a drug involved premises. The charges carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018 and July 2019, the defendant conspired with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, which led to the death of an individual identified as L.K. During the course of the conspiracy, Gonzalez utilized 1252 West Avenue in Buffalo for his drug trafficking activities.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.

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.