A North Tonawanda man convicted of a weapons possession charge was sentenced to prison on Tuesday.
Tre Smitherman, 32, who had been convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
On Nov. 6, 2024, Niagara County Drug Task Force investigators executed a search warrant at Smitherman’s Oliver Street home. They also searched a vehicle that was being sought in connection with their investigation of Smitherman.
During the searches, investigators recovered a loaded pistol, quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and $3,789 in cash. Smitherman was taken into custody on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Investigators noted at the time that Smitherman was convicted in 2014 of a felony crime in New York state and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo said Tuesday that the sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division.