Press release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Anthony Allee, 28, and Tashira Allee, 36, both of Medina, NY, with maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun, and unlawful possession of a short-barreled rifle. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. In addition, Anthony Allee is charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, marijuana, hydrocodone, and cocaine, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on July 22, 2019, a search warrant was executed at the defendants’ residence on Ridge Road in Medina. Investigators seized 11 firearms, numerous articles of property reported as stolen, marijuana, pills believed to be controlled substances, ammunition, scales, bags, and other items of evidence including Tashira Allee’s cell phone. The firearms included a Taurus Judge pistol that had been reported stolen in the Town of Tonawanda.
Investigators also searched a barn located behind the main house. Inside, a safe was located. Within the safe, officers recovered prescription pill bottles containing pills, and a loaded Colt .45 ACP pistol. Also seized from the barn were digital scales with white powder residue, plastic bags, ammunition, an SKS rifle and magazine, a Ruger model 10-22 carbine, and marijuana.
The defendants were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. Tashira Alee was released on conditions. Anthony Allee continues to be detained.
“Under federal law, individuals engaged in drug trafficking activities may not lawfully possess firearms,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “When they do, however, and when the firearms possessed include stolen guns, machine guns, and sawed-off shotguns and rifles, it suggests that not only are such firearms possessed for an unlawful purpose but for a nefarious and extremely dangerous one as well.”
“Drug trafficking and gun violence are a menace on our communities and will not be tolerated,” said HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly. “The dismantling of a drug-trafficking operation and seizure of high-powered weapons have a direct, immediate, and positive impact on the quality of life here in Buffalo.”
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Randy Bower; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Voutour; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James B. Devito; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy; and the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Joseph Cardone.
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.