(WNY News Now) – On Saturday morning, Dewayne A. Vass of Getzville was arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Diane Y. Wray, who was also acting as an Amherst Town Court Justice. Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that Vass faced charges including two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felonies), four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class “B” felonies), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony), and six counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanors).
Investigators conducted an investigation into the sale of narcotics by the defendant. Upon executing search warrants of the defendant’s person and two residences situated in the City of Buffalo and the Town of Amherst, the defendant was taken into custody.
According to reports, the defendant was seen leaving a residence on Moselle Street in the City of Buffalo on Friday, July 12, 2024, when Erie County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop in the vicinity of Woodlawn Avenue and Humboldt Parkway. During the stop, law enforcement allegedly found a quantity of suspected cocaine and fentanyl in the defendant’s pocket. The defendant has been charged with knowingly and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance with the intention of selling it and was subsequently arrested.
At around 1:10 p.m. on the same day, investigators reportedly carried out a search warrant for both the upper and lower apartments located on the 400 block of Moselle Street. During the search, law enforcers were able to retrieve a significant amount of suspected fentanyl, a considerable quantity of suspected cocaine, scales, cutting agents, packaging materials, and a substantial amount of cash. To further investigate the matter, the suspected narcotics were taken into evidence by the Erie County Central Police Services.
According to allegations, investigators carried out a search warrant at the defendant’s second known residence on Sunshine Drive in Getzville on Friday, July 12, 2024, at around 5:04 p.m. During the search, an unsecured, loaded illegal handgun was reportedly found inside a shoebox in the basement. In addition, investigators seized packaging materials, cutting agent, scales, and a sum of cash from within the premises. As two juveniles were living in the home and could access the illegal weapon, the defendant stands accused of knowingly acting in a manner that could cause harm to their physical, mental, or moral wellbeing.
On July 18, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., Vass is set to appear for a felony hearing at Buffalo City Court. He has been detained without bail on all charges.
During the investigation, another person was charged as a defendant. Jariel Cobb Jr., a 20-year-old resident of Buffalo, was arraigned before the Buffalo City Court Judge, Diane Y. Wray, on Saturday morning. He was charged with one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree, along with three counts of Torturing or Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Sustenance, which are Class “A” misdemeanors.
On July 12, 2024, at around 2:00 p.m., investigators questioned the defendant, who lives in the upper apartment on Moselle Street’s 400 block. The defendant, reportedly, declined to cooperate and refused to reveal his true identity. While searching the house, investigators discovered three dogs that had been left without access to food or water, and had urinated and defecated throughout the apartment. Buffalo Animal Control took charge of the dogs and had them evaluated for veterinary care.
On Monday, August 19, 2024 at 9:30 a.m., Cobb has a pre-trial conference scheduled for his return. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges against him do not qualify for bail.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane praised the joint efforts of local, state, and federal agencies that led to the arrest of two individuals, the confiscation of dangerous drugs, and the rescue of three mistreated animals. “This case demonstrates the power of collaboration,” Keane stated.
Keane, the Acting DA, praised the Narcotics and Intelligence Unit of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the Intel Unit and SWAT of the Buffalo Police, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force for their commendable efforts in conducting the investigation.
Assistant District Attorney Briana R.D. Kalman from the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau is currently handling the prosecution of this case.
In a court of law, all individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty.