U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Giovanni Ortiz, 31, of Buffalo, New York. Ortiz faces charges for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These charges carry penalties ranging from a mandatory minimum of five years in prison to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola is handling the case. He explained that the indictment and a previously filed complaint indicate that an investigation into Ortiz’s activities began in May 2024. This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, focusing on his involvement in drug trafficking, which included orchestrating a controlled purchase of fentanyl from him.
The investigation revealed that Ortiz used multiple residences for his drug operations. On August 6, 2024, authorities executed search warrants at these locations on West Avenue, Rhode Island Street, and Jersey Street. The searches led to the seizure of two loaded firearms, ammunition, magazines, suspected crack cocaine and fentanyl, $2,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Cocaine was also found in Ortiz’s vehicle.
This indictment results from efforts by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff John Garcia and Homeland Security Investigations led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; Ortiz is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
