(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. — A federal grand jury has indicted a Jamestown man and a Buffalo woman on narcotics conspiracy charges tied to the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and crack cocaine in Western New York.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Brandon Murray, 41, of Jamestown, and Latika Saintkitts, 35, of Buffalo, with conspiracy to possess and distribute controlled substances. Prosecutors say the charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life.
Saintkitts is additionally charged with distribution of crack cocaine and fentanyl.
Allegations Span 2021 to 2024
According to the indictment, between 2021 and September 2024, Murray and Saintkitts allegedly conspired with others to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin throughout the region.
Prosecutors also allege that on April 3, 2024, Saintkitts distributed crack cocaine, and on June 14, 2024, she distributed fentanyl.
Officials said the case is part of an ongoing federal effort to combat large-scale drug trafficking networks impacting Western New York communities.
Federal Initiative and Investigation
The prosecution is part of the federal initiative Operation Take Back America, which coordinates resources from the Department of Justice to target drug trafficking organizations and violent crime networks.
The effort also incorporates resources from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, along with the Jamestown Police Department, led by Chief Scott Forster.
Court Proceedings
The defendants were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. Murray was ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for April 13, 2026. Saintkitts was released on conditions.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti.
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is merely an allegation, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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