Edward Wilkie, a 31-year-old resident of Tonawanda, New York, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and could result in up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, law enforcement received information in January 2025 that Wilkie and co-conspirator Daniel Eberle were storing and selling significant amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The drugs were kept at Wilkie’s home on Shelly Court and another property on Sheridan Parkside Drive. Both locations were used for storage before the substances were distributed in Salamanca, New York, as well as Pennsylvania.
On March 25, 2025, investigators searched Wilkie’s vehicle and both properties. They found $42,330 in cash and about 384 grams of heroin in his vehicle. An additional $4,000 was recovered from his residence. During the search at the Sheridan Parkside Drive location, Daniel Eberle was found trying to destroy narcotics evidence by flushing it down the toilet. Law enforcement recovered around 66 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded shotgun at the scene.
Charges against Daniel Eberle are still pending.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff John Garcia.
Sentencing for Wilkie will be set at a later date.
