(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Jamestown man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Jaquez Thomas, 22, of Jamestown, was sentenced to 96 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. after being convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to prosecutors, Thomas participated in a drug distribution operation between 2020 and 2022. During that time, he received fentanyl and cocaine from a supplier and distributed the drugs locally. Authorities said Thomas used social media platforms, including Facebook, along with Cash App, to facilitate drug sales.
Investigators determined that Thomas supplied fentanyl to multiple individuals, including Justin Yuchnitz and Joseph Thayer, as part of the conspiracy.
In 2022, Thomas also conspired with Jose Maisonet. Jamestown police conducted three controlled drug purchases from Maisonet during the spring of that year. In July 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Thomas’ residence on Allen Street, where they recovered a loaded handgun and drug paraphernalia.
A separate search warrant executed at Maisonet’s residence on Forest Avenue resulted in the seizure of suspected crack cocaine and methamphetamine, along with digital scales, cell phones, and $2,715 in cash.
Authorities said several co-defendants have already been convicted. Joseph Zaso, Joseph Thayer, and Justin Yuchnitz are awaiting sentencing, while Jose Maisonet was sentenced previously in a separate case.
The case was investigated by the Jamestown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.
Leave a Reply