Antonio Rivera-Perez, 23, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty on Apr. 2 to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and could result in up to life imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gun violence and drug trafficking offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett Fitzsimmons and Katerina Powers said that the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Rivera-Perez on January 22 and January 28, 2025. Authorities later executed a search warrant at his Langfield Drive residence on April 22, 2025, where they seized about 1,072 grams of powder cocaine, 198 grams of crack cocaine, 190 grams of fentanyl, a Glock handgun with magazines and ammunition, roughly $3,500 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam from the New York Field Division.
Sentencing for Rivera-Perez is set for August 11 before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
