Last year, a dozen or so people were arrested during a major drug sweep in Allegany County. On August 9th, one of those defendants will be sentenced in federal court in Buffalo. Lionel C. "Skip" Carter of Wellsville 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.
Barbara Burns, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Buffalo told WRN that Carter will be sentenced Wednesday at 1 p.m.
