Six Elmira residents face federal charges following an investigation that resulted in the seizure of more than $152,000, large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, 34 firearms, and two pipe bombs.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Eric J. Barner, 40; Ashanique Graham, 30; Geneno Mable, 51; Matthew R. Swinko, 28; and Ryan Palmieri, 36, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine.
Dominic Murphy, 31, was charged with drug conspiracy in a separate criminal complaint. He is also charged with being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Federal investigators began looking into the group’s alleged drug trafficking activities in October 2025. Prosecutors identified the organization as the Barner Drug Trafficking Organization and allege its members used cellphones to arrange sales of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine in the Elmira area.
Authorities said the group used several locations to store and sell drugs, including a former storefront on Lake Street and residences on Baldwin Avenue, Mulberry Street, Lackawanna Avenue, West Thurston Street and Harper Street.
Investigators executing multiple search warrants reported seizing:
- More than $152,000 in cash
- Approximately 3,306 grams of methamphetamine
- Approximately 646 grams of fentanyl
- Approximately 69 grams of cocaine and three grams of crack cocaine
- Approximately 65 grams of psilocybin
- Approximately 19 grams of liquid methadone
- Approximately 64 grams of clonazepam
- Approximately one gram of MDMA
- 34 firearms, including two privately manufactured “ghost guns”
- Two pipe bombs and soft body armor
The primary drug conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life, along with a potential $10 million fine.
The investigation involved several federal law enforcement agencies as part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York is prosecuting the case.
