Buffalo man pleads guilty to drug and gun charges

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anthony Franklin, 44, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life and a $5,000,000 fine.

On July 22, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Franklin's Highview Road residence, seizing approximately 254 grams of crack cocaine, 121 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, three firearms, ammunition, and a loaded magazine. Also on July 22, 2025, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop of Franklin's vehicle. He failed to stop, sped away and fled the area. Franklin's vehicle was later found on Rich Street in Buffalo, and he was apprehended shortly after.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #