Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reports the arrest of 46-year-old Jesus Martinez following a months-long investigation into illegal drug activity in Buffalo.
On July 23, 2023, members of the Erie County Sheriff’s Narcotics and Intelligence Unit, the SWAT Team, members of the Buffalo Police Intelligence Unit, and members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force executed a search warrant at 1925 South Park Avenue in Buffalo. The search warrants, signed by Buffalo City Court Judge Patrick Carney, authorized the search of the residence and the target of the investigation – Martinez.
During the search, deputies recovered approximately 8 grams of powder cocaine and approximately 6 grams of fentanyl in the lower apartment.
Martinez was arrested and charged with a felony count of criminal possession of a narcotic with intent to sell, a felony count of criminal possession of a narcotic, a misdemeanor count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and three misdemeanor counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia.
Due to the presence of two minors in the apartment, Martinez and 35-year-old Erica Loster were charged with misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Martinez is held at the Erie County Holding Center pending his arraignment. Loster was issued appearance tickets and released.
Deputies also encountered 53-year-old Norman Bettinger, who had outstanding warrants from the Buffalo Police Department for felony criminal mischief, identity theft, and possession of stolen property. He was turned over to Buffalo Police.
The Sheriff’s Office contacted Child Protective Services after the search.
The residence shared a common entrance with a daycare center in the upper apartment.
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