A former UB student pleaded guilty to conspiracy to purchase controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances and money laundering conspiracy on Sept. 30, according to The Buffalo News.
Kevin Szura, 20, is the second ex-UB student to plead guilty to charges linked to a drug ring that sold mollies and Xanax in return for bitcoins, which they used to purchase more drugs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang said Szura and others spent drug proceeds to buy $74,000 in bitcoins, an unregulated form of digital currency.
Xiang said Szura conspired with ex-UB student Zhe Wang and others. In October 2015, Wang and three others were arrested in a drug raid on Winspear Avenue. Investigators found cocaine, marijuana and Xanax pills in their University Heights home. Wang was charged with a felony count of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. said Szura could face up to 20 years in prison and a potential $1 million fine when sentenced on Feb. 3, 2017.
Sarah Crowley is the assistant news editor and can be reached at sarah.crowley@ubspectrum.com
