Buffalo Man Accused Of Selling Drugs That Led To A Fatal And Two Non-Fatal Overdoses

Buffalo, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 14-count superseding indictment charging Kalijah Long, 36, of Buffalo, NY, with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance causing death and causing serious bodily injury, possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl, maintaining a drug involved premises, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremiah E. Lenihan and Michael J. Adler, who are handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between August 1 and September 19, 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted six controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from the defendant. During the course of the investigation, the DEA learned that Long distributed fentanyl to an individual identified as D.H. that led to his death.  It is also alleged that the defendant distributed narcotics that led to the non-fatal overdoses of individuals identified as R.M. and G.A. 

In late September 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Long’s residence and his vehicle. Inside his residence, they recovered narcotics paraphernalia and ammunition, including .380 caliber ammunition. Inside the defendant’s vehicle, investigators recovered a loaded .380 caliber handgun along with a bag containing 17.5 grams of fentanyl and 9.2 grams of crack cocaine.

The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; and the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Denz.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.