Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Cullinane, who is
handling the case, stated that between January of 2011 and October 25, 2011,
the defendant conspired to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. In order
to avoid restrictions on the purchase of pseudoephedrine, an important chemical
in the methamphetamine manufacturing process, Billings engaged in the practice
of “smurfing” (buying small quantities) at local pharmacies.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part
of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special
Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the New York State
Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of
Lieutenant Kevin Reyes and Major David Krause; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan
Benedict, New York Region; the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under
the direction of Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb; the Wellsville
Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy O’Grady; U.S. Border
Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Steven Oldman; and the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, under the direction of
Captain John Burke.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 2, 2017, before Judge
Vilardo.
