Guilty plea in drug trafficking case

Robert Oliver, of Canada, has pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara, to misprision of felony.

Oliver faces up to three years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Burgasser said that between Dec. 5, 2009 and Jan. 22, 2010, Oliver worked as a disc jockey at Rick’s Tally Ho in Cheektowaga, Erie County. Oliver, who also supervised activities at the establishment, knew that heroin was being sold to employees.

Oliver was arrested along with 26 others in March 2010 following a joint federal, state and local takedown at Rick’s Tally Ho and 24K Solid Gold in Hamburg. He is the 12th defendant to be convicted.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 20.

Another defendant, Amber Makelke of Kenmore, pleaded guilty to use of communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime. She faces up to four years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.

Burgasser said that on Feb. 6 and Feb. 8, 2010, Makelke, also an employee of Rick’s Tally Ho, used a cell phone to participate in a conspiracy to distribute heroin. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 19.