(WNY News Now) – A Niagara Falls man with a criminal record, including past convictions for kidnapping and manslaughter, now faces serious federal charges related to fentanyl and firearm possession.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Derrel Austin, 46, of Niagara Falls, NY, has been arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and illegal firearm possession as a convicted felon, according to a recent announcement by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. If convicted, Austin faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years, and up to a $5 million fine.
The criminal complaint details that Austin, previously convicted in Erie County Court for kidnapping and manslaughter in October 1995 and October 2009, came under investigation following a parole check conducted by New York State Parole officers and the Niagara Falls Police Department on February 17, 2022. Officers knocked on Austin’s door for several minutes with no response. During this time, officers observed Austin leaving the apartment through a fire escape, carrying several bags that were left outside. Shortly afterward, he re-entered the residence and eventually opened the door, wearing a bathrobe and claiming he was delayed by being in the shower—though officers noted the shower was dry.
A search of the fire escape bags revealed substances believed to be fentanyl, cocaine, and Suboxone, along with a firearm, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. The incident prompted a formal investigation involving multiple agencies, including the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the Niagara Falls Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The charges are currently allegations; Austin remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.