(WNY News Now) – Seven people have pleaded guilty in a Western New York drug trafficking investigation involving fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that six defendants have been sentenced, including two Buffalo men who received prison terms of eight and 10 years.

A 19-month investigation into a drug trafficking network operating across Western New York has resulted in seven guilty pleas and multiple prison sentences, according to the New York Attorney General’s Office.

The investigation, led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Niagara Falls Police Department, resulted in the seizure of nearly one kilogram of cocaine, more than half a pound of methamphetamine, over one ounce of fentanyl and approximately $4,000 in cash.

Authorities estimated the seized cocaine was worth $30,000, the methamphetamine $1,500 and the fentanyl $1,600.

Ronnie Dupree, 49, of Buffalo, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He pleaded guilty to charges involving the sale and possession of controlled substances.

Dion Anderson, 46, also of Buffalo, received an eight-year prison sentence followed by five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to charges involving the sale of cocaine and other controlled substances.

Other defendants received the following sentences:

• Antwain Jackson, 50, of Buffalo: Six years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
• Kenneth Pringle, 52, of Niagara Falls: Seven years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision.
• Sabrina Leeper, 52, of Jamestown: Five years of probation.
• David Vaughn, 28, of Buffalo: Five years of probation.

Devan Huntington, 32, of Jamestown, pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree after admitting to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to sell. He is awaiting sentencing, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

Investigation Used Court-Authorized Wiretaps

Investigators said Dupree obtained cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine from Jackson, Pringle, Anderson and others. Dupree and Jackson traveled from Buffalo to Jamestown to meet customers and arrange drug sales at locations throughout Western New York.

Anderson also sold cocaine from his Buffalo home and supplied the drug to Vaughn and others. A search of the residence recovered cocaine, a scale containing cocaine residue and cash, authorities said.

The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps of cellular phones. According to prosecutors, conversations captured during the investigation included coded terms investigators identified as references to illegal drugs.

All seven defendants were indicted in February 2025 and subsequently pleaded guilty. Six have been sentenced in Erie County Court before Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes.

Attorney General James said the investigation was part of an effort to disrupt illegal drug distribution networks. DEA officials also credited cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

The case involved assistance from the Buffalo Police Department and the New York State Army National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.