(WNY News Now) – A Buffalo resident was arrested after federal agents discovered a loaded firearm and suspected fentanyl during a search of his home and vehicle.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Friday that Jeremy Hodge, 39, of Buffalo, has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Hodge faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, the charges stem from a search conducted on April 4, 2025, at Hodge’s residence on Ernst Avenue and his vehicle. Federal investigators seized a loaded 9mm handgun, an additional loaded magazine, ammunition, suspected heroin and fentanyl, and various items of drug paraphernalia. Hodge was taken into custody at the scene.

Hodge has three prior felony convictions and is legally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative targeting violent crime and drug trafficking organizations. The operation brings together resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) to combat transnational criminal activity and protect local communities.

Hodge appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer on Friday afternoon and was ordered held in custody.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

A criminal complaint is an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.