(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. – A Buffalo man has been arrested and charged in federal court on drug trafficking and firearms-related offenses following the execution of a search warrant at his residence, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Tuesday.
According to prosecutors, Julius M. Hatten, 35, of Buffalo, was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as being a felon in possession of ammunition. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a potential $5 million fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass stated that on September 25, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Hatten’s Eckhert Street home. During the search, law enforcement reportedly recovered:
- 2,251 grams of suspected cocaine
- 321 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- 100 grams of suspected pressed fentanyl pills
- Two kilogram presses and other drug paraphernalia
- 30 rounds of ammunition
- Two cell phones
- $21,740 in cash
Authorities also searched Hatten’s vehicle, where they seized 37 grams of crack cocaine, 11 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, and 17 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
Court records show Hatten has prior felony convictions in Erie County Court in 2011 and Federal Court in 2018, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Hatten appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was ordered held pending a detention hearing.
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