CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Steven Gonzalez a/k/a Steven Hernandez, a/k/a Steve, a/k/a Stevie, a/k/a Unc, 43, of Buffalo, NY, with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking by coercion, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Misha A. Coulson, and Joseph M. Tripi, who are handling the case stated that according to the indictment, between 2012, and March 2015, Gonzalez conspired with others to coerce, with use of force or threats of force, two minors identified as A.N. and B.E., to engage in sex trafficking. In addition, between 2006 and November 2018, Hernandez is accused of conspiring with others to sell controlled substances, including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
Gonzalez was previously indicted in May 2020, on charges of distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl causing death; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl; possessing with intent to distribute heroin; and using and maintaining a drug involved premises. Those charges remain pending.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Timothy Foley, New York Field Division.
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.
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