Western New York Couple Charged With Running Marijuana Grow Operation

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 1:00 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

BUFFALO, NY.- A Cuba, New York couple learned that they are potentially facing decades in federal after they were taken into custody and jailed after being criminally charged with running a large-scale marijuana in the Western District of New York.

     According to U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, following an investigation on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Daniel S. Ackerman, 58, and Ana L. Maldonado-Delgado, 31, both of Cuba, New York, were taken into custody and formally charged by federal criminal complaint with Operating a Narcotic Manufacturing or Production Facility, and Possession with Intent to Distribute 100 or More Marijuana Plants.

     If convicted at trial on the charges, both Ackerman and Maldonado-Delgado face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine, or both.

     According to the charging information filed in the criminal complaint, in September 2024, the Cuba Police Department became aware of an operation cultivating marijuana for the purpose of large-scale distribution and initiated an investigation.

     On October 10, 2024, federal and state law enforcement investigators obtained and executed a court-authorized search warrant at the Farnsworth Road home of Ackerman and Maldonado. Upon entry to the property, it became apparent to investigators that they had uncovered a large-scale growing operation.

     During the search, investigators seized 475 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, 124 dried marijuana plants, a large quantity of processed marijuana, ten glass jars containing liquid concentrated cannabis, a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, psilocybin mushrooms, two cell phones, and multiple drug paraphernalia items.

     U.S. Attorney Ross commended the investigative work of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Cuba Police Department, and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until  proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”