(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. – Richard Pearson, 47, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty to federal drug and firearm charges, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Wednesday. Pearson faces up to 30 years in prison after admitting to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti stated that law enforcement executed a search warrant on June 25, 2024, at a Newland Avenue residence in Jamestown. Investigators seized cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, suboxone strips, $200 in cash, a digital scale, and a firearm. Pearson, who was present at the scene, has prior felony convictions from 2018 and 2009 in Chautauqua County Court and a 2006 federal conviction, making him legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative, which targets high-level criminal organizations. More details on OCDETF can be found at justice.gov/OCDETF.

The Jamestown Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Field Division conducted the investigation. Pearson is scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo on July 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.