2015 and the years leading up to it have seen more than 100 gang members in the City of Buffalo indicted for crimes such as drug trafficking, gun violations, and violent offenses including murder. U.S. Attorney William Hochul said over the last year, most of those individuals have been convicted. It’s why he’s calling 2015 one of the best years for his office.
Hochul pointed out that efforts by his office to curb gang activity on Buffalo’s West Side have led to positive results that speak for themselves.
“Today the West Side is a vibrant place,” said Hochul. “There are families moving in, businesses getting established, and it continues to be one of the areas that all of us who call Western New York home point to when we realize and seek the potential that is Buffalo, New York.”
Hochul said the East Side of Buffalo hasn’t been left out of his office’s efforts. He reported more than 30 convictions for gang-related activity and drug trafficking that happened there.
For the year ahead, Hochul seeks to continue the success of targeting gangs and reduce their footprint across Western New York.
“I’m telling gang members right now, ‘Not only is it too late to get out, but chances are you’re already identified and we will be coming to visit you in 2016,’” said Hochul.
Hochul noted that his office also took on insurance fraud, prescription drug abuse, and attempted acts of terrorism. He attributed the achievements, in part, to greater engagement with the public. Hochul said his office also relied on the talents of all levels of law enforcement.
“Not only our federal partners such as FBI, DEA and ATF, but also the state, local, and county law enforcement officials who really have allowed us to continue to make Western New York a very safe and healthy place for families and businesses to grow and thrive in,” said Hochul.
Hochul said his office will continue to urge the public to focus on violence of all kinds and report what they see.
“And my pledge as it was last year, remains the same for 2016. For the members of the public that say something, we for our part will do something.”
