(WNY News Now) – JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — A Jamestown man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for his involvement in a narcotics conspiracy tied to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the Jamestown area.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 53-year-old Curtis Snyder was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to serve 84 months in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
Federal prosecutors said Snyder was an associate and co-conspirator of Rocco Beardsley, who previously was convicted and sentenced for distributing large quantities of controlled substances in the Jamestown area.
Investigators stated that on April 9, 2019, an individual identified as J.A. was found deceased from an apparent overdose at a Jamestown residence. Authorities believed Beardsley was connected to the overdose investigation.
About one month after the overdose death, prosecutors said Beardsley directed Snyder to confront another individual and pressure that person into recording a video denying Beardsley’s involvement in the overdose. In exchange, Snyder was reportedly promised a “bundle” of heroin or fentanyl.
The individual complied and recorded a video claiming Beardsley was not present at the residence on the date of the overdose, according to court documents.
Federal officials said the case was part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative aimed at targeting criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, violent crime, and human trafficking.
The investigation was conducted by the Jamestown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola.
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