(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo man previously convicted in a federal narcotics case has been arrested again on new federal drug trafficking charges following a months-long investigation by local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Federal prosecutors announced that 55-year-old Michael Hatten was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. If convicted, the charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
According to the complaint, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in Buffalo in November 2025. Investigators later identified Hatten as being involved in the alleged narcotics activity.
On March 30, 2026, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop involving Hatten’s vehicle and allegedly recovered approximately 11 grams of fentanyl.
Authorities also executed search warrants the same day at residences on Zelmer Street in Buffalo and Adam Street in Lockport. During those searches, investigators reportedly seized more than $25,000 in cash along with drug paraphernalia.
A third search warrant was carried out at a residence on East Ferry Street in Buffalo. During that search, investigators allegedly recovered approximately 42 pounds of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 11 pounds of suspected fentanyl, and nearly 1,900 grams of suspected cocaine, as well as additional drug paraphernalia.
Federal officials said Hatten was on supervised release at the time of his arrest following a 2019 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
Hatten appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was ordered detained pending further proceedings.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities emphasized that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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