(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. — Charles Lawson, also known as Charley Marley, 38, of Jamestown, was sentenced on Thursday to 37 months in prison for his involvement in a drug conspiracy. Lawson was convicted of conspiring to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced.
From January to March 2020, Lawson worked with others to sell these illegal drugs as part of a larger trafficking operation. He was closely associated with Rocco Beardsley, another key figure in the conspiracy. Lawson used Facebook to promote and sell Beardsley’s narcotics, receiving drugs for personal use in exchange for his efforts. On January 23, 2020, Lawson participated in a controlled fentanyl purchase from Beardsley, an act that led to further investigations. Beardsley has already been convicted and sentenced for his role in the operation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who prosecuted the case, highlighted that this sentence is part of a broader initiative targeting high-level drug trafficking organizations through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). The task force uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach to dismantle dangerous criminal networks.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Jamestown Police Department. Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, of the DEA’s New York Field Division, and Chief Timothy Jackson of the Jamestown Police Department led the investigation.
For more information on the OCDETF Program, visit OCDETF.
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