LARGE SCALE COCAINE TRAFFICKER SENTENCED

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Claude Russell Jr., of Buffalo, New York, who was convicted of Engaging in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise on October 25, 2006., was sentenced today to a 10 year term of imprisonment by U.S. District Judge John T. Elfvin, U.S. Attorney Terrance P. Flynn of the Western District of New York announced today.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was convicted of a Continuing Criminal Enterprise because the defendant held a leadership position in a cocaine distribution ring that employed more than 5 people. According to AUSA DiGiacomo the defendant would travel to Detroit, Michigan several times a month to obtain kilogram quantities of cocaine. The defendant would then transport the cocaine back to Buffalo where it would be provided to individuals for distribution though out the City of Buffalo . The distribution allowed the defendant to obtain substantial income that was utilized to his benefit.

The conviction was the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Police Department, New York State Parole, State Police and the United States Marshal Service.