A Buffalo resident, Julius M. Hatten, 35, has been arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as being a felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the charges, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5 million fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass stated that law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hatten’s residence on Eckhert Street on September 25, 2025. Authorities seized over two kilograms of suspected cocaine, more than 300 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 100 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, drug paraphernalia, metal kilogram presses, 30 rounds of ammunition, two cell phones, and $21,740 in cash from the home. A search of Hatten’s vehicle led to the recovery of additional quantities of crack cocaine, fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine.
According to the complaint, Hatten has previous felony convictions from August 2011 in Erie County Court and from August 2018 in Federal Court. Due to these convictions, he is prohibited by law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Hatten appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and remains held pending a detention hearing.
The investigation was conducted by the Buffalo Police Department under Commissioner Alphonso Wright, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff John Garcia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
“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,” said officials.
