Kenmore Man Arraigned for Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 27-year-old Dhakari K. Allen of Kenmore was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Shannon M. Heneghan on two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class "B" felonies), two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree and one count of Resisting Arrest (Class "A" misdemeanors).

Dhakari Allen was the subject of an investigation into narcotics sales. It is alleged that on the afternoon of Monday, July 15, 2024, investigators observed Allen exit his residence in the Village of Kenmore. Investigators followed the defendant as he drove to a fast-food restaurant on Elmwood Avenue near Hertel Avenue in the City of Buffalo. Investigators allegedly saw the defendant conduct a narcotics transaction withLisandro Sanchez. When the defendants were approached by investigators, a quantity of suspected narcotics, packaged for sale, was observed in plain view on the front seat of Allen's vehicle. Both Allen and Sanchez allegedly fought with officers while being placed under arrest.

His co-defendant, Lisandro Sanchez, 43, of Jamestown was also arraigned this morning before Judge Heneghan on one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (Class "C" felony), one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class "E" felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree, and one count of Resisting Arrest (Class "A" misdemeanors).

Sanchez was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of suspected crack cocaine and a quantity of suspected methamphetamine. He is accused of attempting to conceal the suspected narcotics while being placed under arrest.

Allen is scheduled to return on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. Sanchez, whose case was referred to Opioid Intervention Court, is scheduled to return on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Both defendants were released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

If convicted of the highest count, Allen faces a maximum sentence of 9 years in prison. If convicted of the highest count, Sanchez faces up to 5 ½ years in prison.

It is further alleged that later on Monday, July 15, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., investigators executed a search warrant of Allen's home on the 100 block of Lincoln Boulevard in the Village of Kenmore. Investigators allegedly recovered a quantity of suspected cocaine, a quantity of suspected fentanyl, cutting agent, packaging material and a quantity of cash. The suspected narcotics were submitted into evidence for further analysis by the Erie County Central Police Services laboratory.

Allen is expected to be arraigned this evening in Kenmore Village Court on the following offenses:

• One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (Class "A-I" felony)
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class "B" felony)
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (Class "C" felony)
• Two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree (Class "A" misdemeanors)

If convicted of the highest count, Allen faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Acting DA Keane commends the Erie County Sheriff's Office Narcotics/Intelligence Unit and the Kenmore Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Samantha N. King 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.