Buffalo man pleads guilty to drug trafficking charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Buffalo man pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and concealing material facts, the office announced of the United States Attorney.

Authorities said Joseph Zaso, 40, the drug ringleader, conspired with other dealers to sell significant quantities of heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area between 2018 and 2022.

Zaso then possessed firearms to protect his narcotics supply. On May 26, 2022, search warrants resulted in the seizure of drug paraphernalia from his Buffalo residence.

He was on probation in Western New York during that time following a 2015 conviction in Michigan. Officials said Zaso falsely reported his employment and concealed his income while on probation.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Zaso’s sentencing is scheduled for September 30.