BUFFALO, N.Y. — A federal jury convicted a Wellsville man of distributing fentanyl that killed Crystal Quinn and kidnapping and threatening people to keep them from cooperating with investigators, federal prosecutors announced Friday, September 11.
Simon Gogolack, 42, also known as “Greek,” faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. His sentencing is scheduled for February 9, 2027.
Fatal fentanyl distribution tied to Scott Avenue drug operation
Testimony presented by prosecutors established that Gogolack conspired with others to sell fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, Xanax and Adderall between July 2 and October 17, 2023. He used a residence on Scott Avenue in Wellsville to conduct the drug operation.
Between July 31 and August 1, 2023, Gogolack distributed the fentanyl that caused Quinn’s death, prosecutors said. The jury convicted him of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, narcotics conspiracy and maintaining a drug-involved premises.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can suppress breathing. The Drug Enforcement Administration says an overdose can cause respiratory failure and death.
Jury also convicts Gogolack of kidnapping and gun offenses
Gogolack kidnapped and threatened one person and threatened a second to prevent them from cooperating with investigators, according to prosecutors. The verdict included convictions for kidnapping and witness tampering.
He also possessed firearms during the drug trafficking conspiracy despite a 2007 felony conviction that prohibited him from having guns. Jurors convicted him of possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“Today’s verdict ensures that Simon Gogolack is being held accountable for the violence and devastation his drug trafficking brought into our community and reflects the commitment by my office to pursue and prosecute those that engage in such conduct” stated U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
Sentencing scheduled for February
In separate local coverage, Shore News Network reported in February that an Andover woman faced a fentanyl possession charge following a Wellsville arrest. Police said laboratory testing identified the substance seized during that incident as fentanyl.
Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI investigated Gogolack’s case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas T. Cooper, Casey L. Chalbeck and Katerina Powers prosecuted it.
Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, who presided over the trial, will sentence Gogolack on February 9.