Prior felon arrested on gun and drug charges

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tehran Muhammad, 40, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribute, crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2025, the DEA and Buffalo Police began investigating the fatal overdose of an individual at Sisters of Charity Hospital. According to the complaint, on February 13, 2025, a victim was discovered unresponsive inside of a bathroom stall at the hospital. Burned tinfoil with suspected fentanyl was found near the victim, who was admitted to the hospital. The following day, February 14, 2025, the victim was pronounced dead due to non-traumatic anoxic brain injury caused by drug intoxication and overdose.

Investigators reviewed the victim's medical records, cellular telephone, and surveillance footage from the hospital near the time of the overdose. They discovered that beginning on February 12, 2025, the victim began communicating with a "Cuzo Dope," who was later identified a Muhammad. According to text messages, the victim reached out to Muhammad to purchase drugs on February 12 and February 13, 2025. Cell phone data and surveillance video also indicate that both the victim and Muhammad were in the area of the hospital near the time of the overdose. Subsequent investigation also included two controlled purchases from Mohammad.

On February 27, 2026, search warrants were executed at Muhammad's Seminole Parkway residence, during which investigators seized a rifle, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. In 2005, Muhammad was convicted of Attempted Burglary 1st and Rape 1st and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Muhammad made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on March 4, 2026 before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Craig Macy.

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.

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