A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to federal gun and drug charges, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Jeremy Hodge, 39, admitted in court before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with the possibility of up to 40 years and a fine of $5 million.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola said that on April 4, 2025, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Hodge’s residence on Ernst Avenue as well as his vehicle and person. During the search, law enforcement found a semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Hodge was arrested at the scene.
Hodge has previous felony convictions from April 2008 and March 2009, which legally prohibit him from possessing firearms.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice that focuses resources on addressing illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protecting communities from violent crime by coordinating efforts through programs like the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force under Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
Sentencing for Hodge is set for December 8, 2025 before Judge Vilardo.
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