History is being made in Buffalo, as demolition of six old drug houses gets underway, paid for by criminals.
U.S. Attorney William Hochul says the homes were forfeited as part of the prosecution of Theresa Anderson and eight of her family and friends. Hochul says cash and property seized in the raids is paying for the demolition.
"Today's announcement, where we are using asset forfeiture funds to help destroy these properties, and remove the eyesore, means that the money of the drug dealers themselves is being used here in Buffalo for positive purposes," Hochul said at the scene Tuesday morning.
Mayor Byron Brown says the savings to taxpayers is about $90,000.
Between 2005 and 2012 Anderson's organization controlled drug sales in an East Side neighborhood near Bailey and Broadway. All nine members have been convicted. Theresa Anderson is serving a 15-year sentence.