BUFFALO, N.Y. — Two residents of Cuba, New York, were arrested and charged with manufacturing and possessing over 100 marijuana plants with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced on Thursday. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with a maximum of 40 years and a $5 million fine.
Daniel S. Ackerman, 58, and Ana L. Maldonado-Delgado, 31, were taken into custody following a law enforcement investigation into a suspected large-scale marijuana cultivation operation. On October 10, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at the defendants’ residence on Farnsworth Road, uncovering extensive evidence of drug manufacturing and distribution.
During the search, investigators seized 475 growing marijuana plants, 124 dried marijuana plants, a large quantity of processed marijuana, 10 glass jars of liquid concentrated cannabis, a 9mm pistol, suspected psilocybin mushrooms, two cell phones, and drug paraphernalia. Law enforcement stated that the operation was designed for large-scale marijuana production and distribution.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Cuba Police Department, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, the Olean Police Department, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan is prosecuting the case.
Ackerman and Maldonado-Delgado remain in custody as they await further proceedings. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.