Buffalo man going to prison on gun and drug charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gilbert Santiago, 39, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

In August 2019, a search warrant was executed at Santiago's residence in the City of Tonawanda. Investigators recovered a .22 semi-automatic rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition. In December 2013 and July 2014, Santiago was convicted in Erie County Court of felony crimes and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. In addition, in February 2020, Santiago was found in possession of approximately five grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

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