Buffalo Man With Ties To The Alma Avenue Gang Pleads Guilty To Drug Conspiracy

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Quamain Simms-Calhoun, 25, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin G. Bish and Meghan E. Leydecker, who are handling the case, stated that the defendant admitted that he is associated with the Alma Avenue Gang, a group of individuals who grew up around Alma Avenue and 'represent' their neighborhood by flashing distinctive group hand signals and distinguish themselves on various social media platforms. Simms-Calhoun conspired with co-defendant Dajon Woods to sell crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Between May 8 and August 15, 2019, the defendant coordinated the distribution of these illegal substances on nine separate occasions to an individual working with law enforcement. Simms-Calhoun also distributed drugs to a number of customers in the Buffalo area.

Charges remain pending against Dajon Woods. 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.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; and the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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