A Niagara County man who told authorities he accidentally drove onto the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge earlier this month is now being held in federal custody after investigators say the encounter uncovered drugs, cash, and a loaded firearm.
Ma Le Jones, 37 from Lockport, was ordered detained following a court appearance Monday, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy ruled that he would remain in custody while facing federal drug trafficking and weapons charges. Prosecutors have charged Jones with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Federal authorities say the incident began on December 13th when Jones arrived at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge for inspection. He presented a New York State driver’s license and told Customs and Border Protection officers that he had taken a wrong turn and was trying to re-enter the United States…