U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Giovanni Ortiz, 31, from Buffalo, New York. Ortiz faces charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and could result in life imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola is handling the case. According to the indictment and an earlier complaint, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Ortiz’s activities in May 2024. This investigation included a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Ortiz and revealed his use of multiple residences for drug trafficking purposes.
On August 6, 2024, authorities executed search warrants at several locations linked to Ortiz on West Avenue, Rhode Island Street, and Jersey Street. The searches resulted in the seizure of two loaded firearms, ammunition, magazines, suspected crack cocaine and fentanyl, $2,000 in cash, drug paraphernalia, and cocaine from Ortiz’s vehicle.
The indictment stems from an investigation conducted by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff John Garcia’s direction and Homeland Security Investigations led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation. Giovanni Ortiz is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
