Source: US FBI
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Pena-Batista, 21, Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with two counts of distribution of oxycodone, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey E. Intravatola, Joshua A. Violanti, and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that in January of 2024, the FBI Buffalo Safe Streets Task Force and New York State Police began investigating criminal activity on Buffalo’s west side. Through the investigation, Pena-Batista was identified as an individual engaging in criminal activity. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple purchases of oxycodone from the defendant.
Pena-Batista made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.
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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