(WNY News Now) – A 60-year-old Buffalo resident has been handed a 150-month prison sentence by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo for his involvement in distributing fentanyl, a conviction that was closely tied to two overdose deaths.
Buffalo, N.Y. – Reginald E. Alexander, a 60-year-old resident of Buffalo, New York, was sentenced to 12 ½ years in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo for his involvement in the sale and distribution of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. This sentencing follows his conviction for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, the prosecutor in this case, revealed that Alexander, with a prior felony conviction from 2003, was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The case centered around two overdose deaths directly linked to Alexander’s fentanyl distribution activities. On December 30, 2020, Alexander made a call to 911, reporting an unresponsive individual, later identified as N.P., in his Moselle Street residence. Tragically, when first responders and Buffalo Police Officers arrived at the scene, they pronounced N.P. dead. It was discovered that N.P. had consumed fentanyl that Alexander possessed for distribution in his apartment. Subsequent investigations led to the seizure of approximately 17 grams of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, $3,798.00 in cash, and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol along with ammunition from Alexander’s apartment.
The case took a more devastating turn on February 18, 2021, when an individual identified as J.M. contacted Alexander via text message to purchase fentanyl. The two met on Main Street in Buffalo, where Alexander provided J.M. with fentanyl. J.M. returned home, consumed the fentanyl, and was later found unconscious by family members. First responders were immediately summoned, and they administered Narcan and CPR to J.M. Despite their efforts, J.M. was transferred to a hospital and subsequently succumbed to the overdose.
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