Prior felon arrested on new drug charge

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael Hatten, 55, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

According to the complaint, since November 2025, the Erie County Sheriff's Office has been investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in Buffalo. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Hatten was involved in the drug trafficking activities. On March 30, 2026, investigators conducted a traffic stop of Hatten's vehicle, during which they recovered approximately 11 grams of fentanyl. Also on March 30, they conducted search warrants at a Zelmer Street residence in Buffalo, and an Adam Street residence in Lockport, NY. During the execution of the search warrants, investigators seized more than $25,000 in cash and drug paraphernalia. A search warrant was also executed at an East Ferry Street residence in Buffalo. During that search, law enforcement seized approximately 42 pounds of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 11 pounds of suspected fentanyl and approximately 1,900 grams of suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia

At the time of his arrest, Hatten was on federal supervised release following a 2019 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute narcotics.

Hatten made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam and the Erie County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

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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