The Multi-Month Investigation with 2 Raids, Finds Drugs and Cash 

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports a multi-month investigation by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit culminated in the arrest of Charles Watkins, 35 of Buffalo, on October 11. 

The Narcotic Unit first executed a search warrant signed by Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case on September 16, at 15 Baynes Street in Buffalo.  During that raid, the Narcotics Unit recovered approximately 2-ounces of cocaine as well as some cutting agents and drug paraphernalia.  Watkins was not at the residence at the time of the initial raid, and the unit’s investigation learned of a second dwelling. 

On October 11, just before 10:00 A.M. the Narcotic Unit executed a search warrant at 159 Highgate Avenue in Buffalo, where again, Watkins was the target of the unit’s investigation.  Watkins was arrested during the raid and Deputies and Detectives discovered a digital scale, packing materials, cutting agents, cocaine residue, and over $25,000 in U.S. currency. 

As a result of both raids, Watkins is charged with class-B felonies for criminal possession of a narcotic with intent to sell, and criminal possession of a controlled substance.  He is also charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal possession of controlled substance, six counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia, and a possession of marijuana violation. 

Watkins is held at the Erie County Holding Center pending his arraignment in Buffalo City Court. 

The defendant has four previous New York State felony convictions for drug-related charges and one federal Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organizations Act (RICO) conviction; he has spent 65-months in prison for the previous convictions.