U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced on Mar. 20 that Ronnie Powell, 40, and Daniqua S. Dixon, 34, both of Buffalo, New York, have been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.
The case is significant due to the alleged connection between the suspects and the Bloods street gang, which authorities describe as a violent group operating in Buffalo. Law enforcement agencies say that members of this gang have been involved in violent crimes including drug and firearm trafficking.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Buffalo Police Department, and the Buffalo Police Gang Intelligence Unit have been investigating the Bloods’ activities in Buffalo. Numerous members have reportedly been identified along with gang territory on the city’s east side. “Bloods gang members are known to commit violent criminal acts in furtherance of the gang to protect gang-controlled territory and houses associated with the gang,” Antoine said.
Powell and Dixon are suspected members based on their tattoos indicating affiliation and their associations with other known Bloods members. Investigators determined they were narcotics traffickers supplying various individuals. On March 18, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a South Domedian residence used by Powell and Dixon where they seized two loaded firearms; suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, crack cocaine; drug paraphernalia; and about $10,333 in cash. Powell was also arrested during a traffic stop that same day.
The investigation was conducted by the Buffalo Police Department under Acting Commissioner Craig Macy; the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera; and the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam.
Authorities remind that “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.”
