DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Western District of New York

For Immediate Release

Monday, December 9, 2013
William J. Hochul, Jr.
, United States Attorney
Contact: Barbara Burns

Man Sentenced to Five Years for Drug Conspiracy

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Dale Lockwood, 61, of Buffalo, New York, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and 4 years supervised release by United States District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.  The sentence followed the defendant’s conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and was part of a larger, federal criminal investigation into the Afro-Dogs Motorcycle Club.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Duszkiewicz, who handled the case, stated that as part of their investigation, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration intercepted the defendant and others engaging in narcotics-related conversations pursuant to a Court-ordered wiretap.  On March 3, 2011, agents and officers discovered inside Lockwood’s home at 567 Lasalle Avenue, over $71,000 in US currency, eight firearms, ammunition, and drug scales.  The overall Afro-Dogs investigation ultimately resulted in the indictment of 12 defendants, including Lockwood.  During the course of the investigation agents purchased or seized in excess of 1100 grams of cocaine or cocaine base and recovered 11 other firearms.

Lockwood and five others charged in the case proceeded to trial in April of 2013.  While the jury convicted the leader of the Afro Dogs, Dewey Taylor, of numerous narcotics related charges, the jury was unable to reach a verdict as to Lockwood.  The defendant thereafter pleaded guilty to the narcotics charges giving rise to today’s sentence on August 5, 2013.

To date, nine defendants have been convicted in connection with the Afro Dogs investigation.  In addition to the term of imprisonment, Lockwood must also forfeit an additional $50,000 and any interest he may have in the Afro-Dogs Clubhouse at 1093/1095 Genesee Street.

The conviction was the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian R. Crowell, law enforcement officers of the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda, Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Anthony J. Palombo, Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Lawrence M. Eggert, along with Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Frank Christiano.

 

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New York Field Division