Lyndonville man pleads guilty to gun and drug charges
Press Release, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Nolan Donald, 20, of Lyndonville, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to being an unlawful drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition, and possessing with intent to distribute, and distributing marijuana. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that between February 2018 and April 18, 2018, the defendant was addicted to, or was an unlawful user of, marijuana.
On April 18, 2018, Donald was arrested following the execution of a search warrant at his residence on North Lyndonville Road. Inside the residence, investigators recovered a 9mm, semi-automatic pistol, loaded with eight rounds of ammunition; a 12-gauge shotgun; 79 rounds of ammunition; a small quantity of marijuana; edible marijuana cookies; and plastic baggies.
Following his arrest, the defendant admitted that he sold marijuana for approximately two years preceding his arrest and continued to sell marijuana and other marijuana products up until the time of his arrest. Donald also stated that he has used marijuana every day for the past year and a half.
Between February 17, 2018, and April 18, 2018, the defendant posted videos and photos to the social media application “Snapchat” in which he appeared to be in possession of a pistol and large quantities of marijuana, and using what appeared to be marijuana and prescription medicine.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
