Nader Ngoopos, also known as Nike, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug and gun offenses, as announced by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Ngoopos, 26, from Buffalo, NY, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute significant amounts of cocaine and heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a gun and ammunition. The judgment was delivered by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson outlined the timeline of Ngoopos' illegal activities, indicating that between 2016 and 2018, he conspired with others to source cocaine and heroin for distribution from Buffalo to Olean, NY. Ngoopos made weekly trips to Olean to sell the drugs from various locations, including North 8th Street and South 11th Street, often participating in these transactions himself.
In a significant incident on October 15, 2018, Ngoopos, along with two accomplices, took part in an armed robbery at St. Bonaventure University in Olean. The group forcibly entered a dormitory, targeting a specific room to steal marijuana and cash. Armed and threatening, they stole about an ounce of marijuana and $300-$400 after pointing firearms at the dorm room's occupants.
Ngoopos faced legal challenges again on September 2, 2021. While in Buffalo, he was spotted by law enforcement officers, leading to a high-speed chase after he attempted to flee in a vehicle. The chase ended on East Amherst Street, where Ngoopos fled on foot, discarding a pistol during the escape. Notably, Ngoopos had a felony conviction in June 2020 in Cattaraugus County Court, which restricted him from legally owning firearms or ammunition.
The investigation that led to Ngoopos' sentencing involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Olean Police Department under Chief Ron Richardson, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff Eric Butler, the Buffalo Police Department under Commissioner Alphonse Wright, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff John Garcia.