Narcotics Sales Investigation Results in Two Arrests

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 42-year-old Dewayne A. Vass of Getzville was arraigned on Saturday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Diane Y. Wray, also acting as an Amherst Town Court Justice, on two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (Class "A-I" felonies), four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class "B" felonies), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class "C" violent felony), and six counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class "A" misdemeanors).

The defendant was the subject of an investigation into narcotic sales. The defendant was arrested after investigators executed search warrants of his person and his two residences located in the City of Buffalo and the Town of Amherst.

It is alleged that on Friday, July 12, 2024, Erie County Sheriff's Office deputies, after observing the defendant exit a residence on Moselle Street in the City of Buffalo, conducted a traffic stop in the area of Woodlawn Avenue and Humboldt Parkway. A quantity of suspected cocaine and a quantity of suspected fentanyl was allegedly recovered from the defendant's pocket. The defendant, who is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance with intent to sell, was subsequently placed under arrest.

It is also alleged that later the same day, at approximately 1:10 p.m., investigators executed a search warrant for the upper and lower apartment on the 400 block of Moselle Street where they recovered a quantity of suspected fentanyl, a quantity of suspected cocaine, scales, cutting agent and packaging materials and a quantity of cash. The suspected narcotics were placed into evidence for further analysis by Erie County Central Police Services.

It is further alleged that on Friday, July 12, 2024, at approximately 5:04 p.m., investigators executed a search warrant at a second known residence of the defendant on Sunshine Drive in Getzville. A loaded, illegal handgun was allegedly found unsecured inside of a shoebox in the basement. Investigators also seized scales, cutting agent, packaging materials and a quantity of cash from inside of the home. The defendant is accused of knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child as two juveniles resided inside of the home and could access the illegal weapon.

Vass is scheduled to return to Buffalo City Court on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail on all files.

A second defendant was charged during this investigation. On Saturday morning, 20-year-old Jariel Cobb, Jr. of Buffalo was arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Diane Y. Wray on one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree and three counts of Torturing or Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Sustenance (Class "A" misdemeanors).

It is alleged that on Friday, July 12, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the defendant, who resides at the upper apartment on the 400 block of Moselle Street, was questioned by investigators. The defendant allegedly refused to cooperate and would not provide his true identity. During the search of the residence, investigators allegedly found three dogs, who had urinated and defecated throughout the apartment, without access to food or water. The three dogs were turned over to Buffalo Animal Control to be evaluated for veterinary treatment.

Cobb is scheduled to return on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

"This case is great example of the collaboration between local, state and federal agencies that resulted in two arrests, the seizure of potentially deadly narcotics and the rescue of three neglected animals," said Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.

Acting DA Keane commends the Erie County Sheriff's Office Narcotics and Intelligence Unit, Buffalo Police Intel Unit and SWAT, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Briana R.D. Kalman of the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.