A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to federal gun and drug charges, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Jeremy Hodge, 39, admitted in court to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with the possibility of up to 40 years and a $5 million fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola said that on April 4, 2025, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Hodge’s residence on Ernst Avenue, as well as his vehicle and person. During the search, law enforcement officers found a semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Hodge was arrested at the scene. He had previous felony convictions from April 2008 and March 2009, making it illegal for him to possess firearms.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN),” according to the press release.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force under Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
Sentencing for Hodge is set for December 8, 2025 before Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
