Tonawanda man pleads guilty to his role in narcotics conspiracy

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edward Wilkie, 31, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, which carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2025, law enforcement received information that Wilkie and co-conspirator Daniel Eberle were storing and selling large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine at Wilkie's Shelly Court residence and at a stash house on Sheridan Parkside Drive. Wilkie used both residences to store the drugs, which he would then distribute in Salamanca, NY, and Pennsylvania.

On March 25, 2025, investigators executed search warrants on Wilkie's vehicle, his Shelly Court residence and the Sheridan Parkside Drive stash house. They recovered $42,330 in cash and approximately 384 grams of heroin from Wilkie's vehicle and $4,000 in cash from his residence. As investigators entered the Sheridan Parkside Drive stash house, they encountered Daniel Eberle attempting to destroy narcotics evidence by flushing it down the toilet. Law enforcement ultimately recovered approximately 66 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded shotgun.

Charges remain pending against Daniel Eberle.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Erie County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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