Russell Sims, a 32-year-old resident of Jamestown, New York, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katerina F. Powers and Joshau A. Violanti stated that the arrest followed a traffic stop by a Jamestown Police officer in the early morning hours of July 20, 2025, near East 6th Street. Sims was a passenger in the vehicle. After observing that Sims appeared agitated, the officer instructed both Sims and the driver to exit the vehicle for separate interviews. Authorities reported that their accounts were inconsistent.
A subsequent search uncovered cocaine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and four cell phones inside the vehicle. Additional fentanyl was found on Sims himself.
The investigation involved multiple agencies: the Jamestown Police Department led by Chief Timothy Jackson; Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office headed by Sheriff James Quattrone.
“The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty,” officials said.
