A routine home visit by NYS parole officers resulted in new felony charges for a convicted felon. Derrel Austin, 46, of Niagara Falls, attempted to conceal drugs and a firearm as officers arrived at his residence on February 17th, 2022. According to the criminal complaint, Austin is charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Parole officers, accompanied by Niagara Falls Police, arrived at Austin's home for a scheduled visit. The complaint details that Austin took an unusually long time to respond to the officers' knocks and was found wearing a bathrobe when he finally opened the door. He claimed, unconvincingly, that he had just stepped out of the shower.
In fact, officers observed Austin placing several bags on a fire escape while they waited outside. These were later recovered during a parole search. The contents of the bags consisted of cocaine, fentanyl, Suboxone, a handgun, and ammunition. The complaint also noted that Austin's shower was dry.
The defendant's criminal history is extensive with multiple felony convictions dating back to 1995 and 2009 in Erie County including charges of kidnapping and manslaughter.
Parole Visit Leads to Gun and Drug Charges Against Niagara Falls Felon