A Wellsville man was scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Buffalo this week, but the case was bumped until next month. Barbara Burns is a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Buffalo. She told WRN this morning that the sentencing for Lionel "Skip" Carter of Wellsville has been re-scheduled for September 25. We asked Burns what prompted the delay and she said "it could have been any of a hundred reasons."
Carter was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. Prosecutors said Carter engaged in the practice of “smurfing” (buying small quantities) at local pharmacies to get around restrictions on purchasing products containing pseudoephedrine, an important chemical necessary in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine.
Carter is one of 12 defendants charged in a methamphetamine manufacturing conspiracy in Allegany County.
