Depew woman pleads guilty to narcotics conspiracy
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Sarah Szymanski, 29, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiring to distribute heroin. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Cullinane, who is handling the case, stated that between February and March 24, 2020, investigators conducted three controlled purchases of fentanyl from the defendant and co-defendant Jonathan DiPirro. On March 24, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Madeline Lane in Depew. They recovered quantities of acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, a digital scale with residue, and prescription bottle containing various types of powders, as well as an amount of U.S. currency.
Charges remain pending against defendant DiPirro. 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.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Lancaster Police Department; the Depew Police Department; the Cheektowaga Police Department; the New York State Police Violent Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team; and the DEA Buffalo Resident Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 27, 2021 before Judge Sinatra.
