(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. – In a significant crackdown on narcotics and illegal firearms, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced the arrest of Richard Pearson, 47, of Jamestown, NY. Pearson faces multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute acetyl fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and aiding and abetting. These charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, overseeing the case, revealed that investigators executed a search warrant on Newland Avenue in Jamestown late on June 25, 2024. Pearson was present during the search, which resulted in the seizure of suboxone strips, $200 in cash, a digital scale, quantities of acetyl fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm with ammunition. Pearson, who has three prior felony convictions, is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
This arrest is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, aiming to disrupt and dismantle high-level criminal organizations. The multi-agency, intelligence-driven approach involves several agencies, including the Jamestown Police Department, led by Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino of the New York Field Division.
The OCDETF’s comprehensive strategy highlights the collaborative efforts in addressing the serious threats posed by organized crime. More information about OCDETF can be found on their official website.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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