Steven S. Butler, 42, of Buffalo, was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charges are accusations, and the case remains undecided.
By AI ReporterWritten Aug 31, 2026, 4:33 p.m. ET
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced on August 31, 2026, that Steven S. Butler, 42, of Buffalo, was arrested and by complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charges are merely accusations, and the case is at the charging stage and has not been resolved.
According to the complaint, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Buffalo Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit had been investigating Butler, who was suspected of distributing large quantities of cocaine. On August 24, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at the restaurant “Ike and BG’s” at 1646 Genesee Street in Buffalo, which is owned and operated by Butler and used to store and distribute large quantities of narcotics. During the search, they seized quantities of suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $169,553.00. Butler was taken into custody following the search.
A second search warrant was executed at Butler’s residence on Old Post Road in Lancaster and on his vehicle on August 25, 2026. During that search, investigators seized seven handguns and approximately $102,506 in cash. Butler was previously convicted of felony charges in 2004, 2008, and 2013, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Butler made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr. and was detained. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields.
The case remains undecided.
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