FBI Press Release Buffalo Field Office

Sting Snags Heroin Network

BUFFALO , NEW YORK . -- This morning (except where noted) 18 federal arrest warrants and 9 federal search warrants were executed by the Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) culminating a two year investigation into illegal drug trafficking and related violent crimes, announced Special Agent in Charge David DeJoe, Resident Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Major Matthew S. Renneman, New York State Police; Regional Director Eugenio Russi and Area Supervisor Donald Snyder, New York State Parole; Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson, Buffalo, New York Police Department; United States Attorney Terrance P. Flynn, Western District of New York and Special Agent in Charge Laurie J. Bennett, FBI Buffalo.

The SSTF executed federal arrest warrants for the following individuals:

1. Pedro Antonetty*

   DOB: March, 1981

   88 Tacoma Avenue , Buffalo , NY

2. Jorge Olivera*

   DOB: June,1980

   97 Delaware Road, Kenmore, NY

3. Carmello Mercado*

   DOB: December, 1966

   97 Rhode Island, Buffalo, NY

4. Israel Conception**

   DOB: September,1984

   93 Chadduck Avenue, Buffalo, NY

5. Juan Conception***

   DOB: November, 1985

   264 Roesch Street, Buffalo, NY

6. Juan J. Antonetty, aka "Shorty"

   DOB: January, 1983

   92 Condon Avenue, Buffalo, NY

7. Anthony Mendez,** aka "Ant"

   DOB: January, 1989

   115 17th Street, Buffalo, NY

8. Aramis Fournier, aka "Smurf"

   DOB: May, 1982

   47 Clay Street, Buffalo, NY

9. Richard Vega, aka "Richie"

   DOB: July, 1980

   558 Fargo Street, Buffalo, NY

10. Jose Sanabria, aka "Zanahoria"

    DOB: March, 1982

    33 Eckhert Street, Buffalo, NY

11. Jonathan Rosario

    DOB: May, 1983

    504 Plymouth, Buffalo, NY

12. Christian Rosario, aka "PG"

    DOB: June, 1985

    151 Germain Street, Buffalo, NY

13. Sarah Sanford**

    DOB: October, 1986

    44 Massachusetts, Buffalo, NY

14. Michael Martini

    DOB: September, 1978

    103 Pavement Road, Lancaster, NY

15. Ame Huss

    DOB: November, 1979

    4110 W. Highland Pkwy, Blasdell, NY

16. Jose L. Cruz

    DOB: September, 1980

    77 California, Buffalo, NY

17. Richard Garvey, aka "Rick"

    DOB: May, 1958

    19 Orchard St., Apt. 2, Lockport, NY

18. Robert Garigal

    DOB: September, 1950

    109 South Gazelle Street, Dunkirk, NY

* Warrant executed on 08/10/2007
** Still at large
*** Warrant executed on 08/07/2007

The above individuals were arrested on multiple federal narcotics charges and will have an Initial Appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr.

Sanctions resulting from convictions on the charges in this matter range from mandatory minimum sentences of five years in prison to a maximum penalty of forty years and/or a fine of $2 million.

The SSTF also executed federal search warrants at the following addresses:

1. 88 Tacoma Avenue, Buffalo, New York *
2. 264 Roesch Street, Buffalo, New York *
3. 97 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, New York **
4. 97 Rhode Island Avenue, Buffalo, New York **
5. 93 Chadduck Avenue, lower unit, Buffalo, New York **
6. 92 Condon Street, Buffalo, New York
7. 33 Eckhert Street, Buffalo, New York
8. 47 Clay Street, Buffalo, New York
9. 115 17th Street, Buffalo, New York

* Warrant executed on 08/07/2007
** Warrant executed on 08/10/2007

As a result of this investigation, the SSTF has seized a substantial quantity of heroin, which was to be distributed in Western New York. This translated into the sale of a kilo of heroin per month throughout the Western New York area, to include Lancaster, Lockport, Buffalo, Blasdell and Dunkirk. Approximately two dozen law enforcement agencies utilizing 150 armed officers executed this morning's arrests and searches.

This investigation, initiated in August, 2005, centered around members of the "Pedro Antonetty Crew" operating on the west side of Buffalo. Today's arrests were primarily based on controlled drug purchases and sophisticated investigative techniques. In addition, the New York State Police and Buffalo Police Department provided extensive intelligence related to the violent activities of this gang. Members of this distribution criminal enterprise sold large quantities of heroin in Western New York and have been involved in acts of violence.

These matters will be prosecuted in the Western District of New York by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy C. Lynch under the direction of United States Attorney Terrance P. Flynn.

U.S. Attorney Flynn has stated that, "This investigation and prosecution shows the United States government's continuing commitment to prosecute those responsible for distributing drugs in our community. It also demonstrates the results that can be achieved when federal, state and local law enforcement work together toward a common objective."

It should be noted that the fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The following agencies are members of the Safe Streets Task Force:

· Buffalo, New York, Police Department
· United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
· New York State Parole
· New York State Police

In addition, the following law enforcement agencies provided assistance:

· Cheektowaga, New York, Police Department
· United States Federal Protective Services
· Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Department
· United States Drug Enforcement Administration
· United States Immigration Customs Enforcement
· United States Marshal Service
· United States Coast Guard
· Niagara County Sheriff's Office

Special Agent in Charge Bennett stated that her office will "continue to utilize every sophisticated resource necessary to ensure the public's safety and that the FBI will also continue to partner with local, state and federal agencies to bring the full force of law enforcement's expertise to dismantle violent criminal enterprises."

This investigation continues.