(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Jamestown man has admitted in federal court to fentanyl trafficking and kidnapping after authorities said he sold the powerful opioid and held a victim against her will for several weeks.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Dwayne Lowery, also known as “Chi Chi,” 31, of Jamestown, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and kidnapping.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and a possible fine of up to $5 million.
According to prosecutors, on December 7, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Lowery’s residence on West Cowden Place in Jamestown. During the search, investigators seized approximately 59 grams of fentanyl, $1,140 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Prior to the warrant being served, authorities conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lowery at the residence.
Federal prosecutors said the kidnapping offense occurred nearly a year later. In mid-October 2023, Lowery allegedly invited a victim to a residence on North Union Street in Olean. Over the next roughly 22 days, the victim was held by Lowery at multiple locations, including residences connected to him in Buffalo and Olean, as well as a hotel in Buffalo.
Authorities said when the victim attempted to leave, Lowery physically prevented her from doing so. During the time she was being held, prosecutors said Lowery regularly provided the victim with narcotics.
On November 3, 2023, the victim was able to escape from Lowery’s residence in Buffalo and went to Buffalo Police headquarters, where she reported that she had been held against her will.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Jamestown Police Department, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Olean Police Department.
Lowery is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. before Judge Vilardo in U.S. District Court in Buffalo.
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