Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 29-year-old Robert Smith of Buffalo has been sentenced to 13 years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision by State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns. 

In August, Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree for selling the powerful painkiller fentanyl.  While awaiting sentencing, defendant was arrested and charged with possessing heroin. He subsequently pleaded guilty on November 10, 2016, to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree. 

On January 26, 2016 and February 8, 2016, the defendant sold fentanyl to an undercover officer from the New York State Police. Based on the undercover fentanyl sales, the New York State Police obtained a search warrant for the defendant's residence at 118 Gillette Street in Buffalo. The police recovered 159 packages of fentanyl, 2 scales, packaging materials and more than $6,400 cash. 

Acting DA Flaherty commends New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Town of Amherst Police Department for its thorough investigation. 

Assistant District Attorney Paul J. Williams III prosecuted the case.