BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Archie Butler, 42, of Buffalo, NY, and Jamielah Huggins, 37, of Kenmore, NY, were arrested and charged by complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas T. Cooper, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 16, 2020, law enforcement officers were conducting surveillance at the Aloft Hotel on Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, NY. Homeland Security Investigations received information regarding the possibility of a bulk narcotics transaction on that date involving defendant Butler, who is currently on post-release supervision with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision following a New York State drug-related felony conviction.
During surveillance, investigators observed Butler arrive at approximately 6:15 p.m. in a vehicle driven by defendant Huggins. Shortly thereafter, two Hispanic males exited the Aloft Hotel and approached Butler in the vehicle. The three men engaged in a brief conversation before Butler, Huggins, and the two Hispanic males all entered the hotel together. Butler was carrying a purple luggage bag. Approximately 15 minutes later, Butler and Huggins left the hotel, with Butler still carrying the purple bag. The two defendants were arrested by law enforcement officers at the scene.
Following their arrests, investigators searched the purple luggage bag and recovered five pressed powder cocaine bricks wrapped in cellophane and duct tape, weighing approximately 5.6 kilograms.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer, Butler was detained, while Huggins was released on conditions.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski, and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.