Buffalo Man Sentenced On Cocaine Charge

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Phillip Keomongkoun, 30, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, was sentenced to two years’ probation by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between July 2012 and January 18, 2013, the defendant participated in a conspiracy, alleged to have been led by Steven Bennett, to distribute cocaine in the Buffalo area. The investigation into the conspiracy included the court ordered interception of telephone calls and text messages. Those included calls between Keomongkoun and Bennett during which the two discussed cocaine prices and deals. During the calls, the defendant arranged to purchase at least one ounce of cocaine from Bennett, which he then sold to others in the Buffalo area.

On January 18, 2013, Keomongkoun was arrested at 580 Niagara Street in Buffalo and approximately 1.5 ounces of cocaine were seized from his residence.

Charges are pending against Steven Bennett. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.