A Jamestown man has pleaded guilty to his role in a drug conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine distribution. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Jaquez Thomas, 22, entered the plea before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Stacey Jacovetti, and Louis A. Testani stated that between 2020 and 2022, Thomas distributed fentanyl and cocaine supplied by Joseph Zaso. Thomas used Facebook and Cash App as part of his drug trafficking activities. He also provided fentanyl to Justin Yuchnitz and Joseph Thayer during the conspiracy.
In addition, Thomas conspired with Jose Maisonet in 2022. That spring, Jamestown Police conducted three controlled purchases from Maisonet. In July 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Thomas’ Allen Street residence, seizing a loaded handgun and drug paraphernalia. Another search at Maisonet’s Forest Avenue residence led to the seizure of suspected crack cocaine, methamphetamine, digital scales, cell phones, and $2,715 in cash.
Joseph Zaso, Joseph Thayer, and Justin Yuchnitz have previously been convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Jose Maisonet was convicted and sentenced in a separate case.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
The investigation was conducted by the Jamestown Police Department under Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III; New York Field Division; and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff James Quattrone.
Sentencing for Thomas is set for March 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., before Judge Sinatra.
