PORTLAND, Maine — A New York man was found guilty by a federal judge on drug charges related to the sale of crack cocaine and heroin in Lewiston, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
James Winbrone, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, was found guilty Wednesday after a two-day, jury-waived trial on one count each of possession with intent to distribute heroin, distribution of cocaine base, also called crack, and aiding and abetting the possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
A fourth charge of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base was dismissed Tuesday by U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby.
Winbrone was involved in the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine in Lewiston on April 10, 2014, and Oct. 28, 2014, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. On Jan. 14, crack cocaine and heroin were seized at a Lewiston apartment used by the defendant.
Winbone, also known as “B” and “BG,” faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $2 million.
A sentencing date has not been set.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Maine State Police and the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is composed of agents and officers from other federal law enforcement agencies and the Portland and Biddeford police departments. Assistance also was provided by the Lewiston and Auburn police departments and the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office.