TWO INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED FOR DRUG POSSESSION
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reports that a drug investigation in the Erie County Holding Center ended with two incarcerated individuals arrested.
On February 23, a Deputy at the holding center observed Spencer Nowinski naked in his cell and snorting a substance. Deputies also observed suspected narcotics on his bunk, including a white powdery substance, Suboxone squares, a crushed pill, and drug paraphernalia. The investigation was turned over to the Sheriff’s Narcotics and Intelligence Unit.
During its investigation, the unit developed information that Andre Benefield, recently admitted to the facility, had a large amount of cocaine and other controlled substances. Detectives and Deputies also learned that Benefield had secreted the substances at the time of his arrest, then excreted the narcotics and sold the substances within the housing area.
A search of Benefield’s personal items discovered several small baggies containing narcotics.
Benefield, 28 from Buffalo, was arrested and charged with felony counts of criminal possession of a narcotic with intent to sell, criminal possession of a narcotic, and possession of dangerous contraband in prison.
Nowinski, 50 from Sardinia, is charged with a felony count of possessing dangerous contraband in prison and a misdemeanor count of criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Benefield was admitted to the holding center following his arrest on February 23 by Buffalo Police on drug, assault, criminal contempt charges, and NYS parole violations.
Nowinski is held on NYS parole violations and charges from a December 2020 arrest.
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