Lewiston man going to prison on meth charge

Submitted by the United States Attorney's Office

Western District of New York

Public Affairs Officer

U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joseph Wedge, 43, of Lewiston, who was convicted of attempted possession with intent to distribute of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that, in May 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Postal Inspection Service seized a package containing 119 grams of methamphetamine, which was destined for Wedge. On May 8, 2020, investigators replaced the methamphetamine with sham material and conducted a controlled delivery by making the package available for pickup at the Lewiston Post Office. Later that day, Wedge headed to the Lewiston Post Office, but prior to entering the building, he deployed an aerial drone to inspect the surrounding area. Approximately 20 minutes later, Wedge entered the post office and claimed the package. Wedge was then arrested and taken into custody.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division.