Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 29-year-old Robert Smith of Buffalo has pleaded guilty before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns to two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree for selling the powerful painkiller fentanyl. 

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. 

Smith faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 9, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. by Justice Burns. 

Acting DA Flaherty commends New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team for its thorough investigation. 

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