Buffalo Ledger

Daniel S. Ackerman and Ana L. Maldonado-Delgado, residents of Cuba, New York, have been arrested and charged with the manufacture and possession with intent to distribute 100 or more marijuana plants. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross and carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5 million fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan is handling the case. According to the complaint, the Cuba Police Department initiated an investigation after becoming aware of a large-scale marijuana cultivation operation intended for distribution. A search warrant was executed on October 10, 2024, at the residence of Ackerman and Maldonado-Delgado on Farnsworth Road.

During the search, authorities discovered evidence indicating large-scale marijuana production. Law enforcement seized 475 growing marijuana plants, 124 dried plants, processed marijuana in significant quantities, ten glass jars containing liquid concentrated cannabis, a 9mm pistol, suspected psilocybin mushrooms, two cell phones, and drug paraphernalia.

The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III from the New York Field Division; the Cuba Police Department led by Chief Dustin Burch; Allegany County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Scott Cicirello; Olean Police Department headed by Chief Ron Richardson; and Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office directed by Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb.

It is important to note that being charged with a crime is an accusation only; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.