U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of David Pena-Batista, a 21-year-old resident of Buffalo, NY. Pena-Batista faces charges in a criminal complaint with two counts of oxycodone distribution. These charges could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey E. Intravatola, Joshua A. Violanti, and Louis A. Testani. The investigation began in January 2024 when the FBI Buffalo Safe Streets Task Force and New York State Police started looking into criminal activities on Buffalo’s west side. During this investigation, law enforcement identified Pena-Batista as involved in illegal activities and conducted multiple purchases of oxycodone from him.
Pena-Batista appeared initially before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is currently held pending a detention hearing.
This complaint resulted from an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm and the New York State Police directed by Major Amie Feroleto.
It is important to note that being charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and Pena-Batista is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
