CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted Brian Donaldson, 50, of Webster, NY, and Pablo Ulloa, 33, of Rochester, NY, on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, the Drug Enforcement Administration received a tip regarding the drug trafficking activities of the defendants. On October 27, 2016, Hamburg Police conducted surveillance at a local motel where the defendants were staying. At approximately 9:15 p.m., Donaldson left the motel and was subsequently pulled over in a traffic stop by Hamburg officers. A search of the vehicle recovered a small quantity of methamphetamine, and a lock box which contained a much larger quantity of methamphetamine.
A search was then conducted of the motel room where Donaldson and Ulloa were staying. During that search, officers recovered more containers of methamphetamine, several cellular telephones, drug packaging materials, a scale and pipes.
The defendants will be arraigned at a later date before U.S. Magistrate judge Michael J. Roemer.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gregory Wickett.
The fact that defendants have been charged with crimes are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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