Buffalo Man Indicted on Federal Drug Charges, Accused in Fentanyl-Related Death
He is also accused of structuring financial transactions between local banks to conceal proceeds from drug sales.
A Buffalo man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple drug-related charges, including the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
Kenneth G. Shoemaker II, 50, also known as “Kenny,” faces charges of distributing fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cocaine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and money laundering. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
According to prosecutors, the indictment alleges that on September 23, 2023, Shoemaker possessed fentanyl, which led to the death of an individual identified as E.I. The indictment further states that between August 28 and October 18, 2024, he allegedly sold fentanyl and other drugs while using a residence on Sweet Avenue in Buffalo as a base for his operations. Shoemaker is also accused of structuring financial transactions between local banks to conceal proceeds from drug sales.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis A. Testani and Melanie J. Bailey and is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York State Police, and the Buffalo Police Department.
Authorities emphasize that an indictment is not a conviction, and Shoemaker is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.