Rochester Drug Dealer Indicted For Role Narcotics Conspiracy
Sunday, June 15, 2025, 7:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
BUFFALO, NY.- A 40-year-old Western New York man is potentially facing up to life in federal prison after being indicted on multiple federal narcotics offenses for his role in a large-scale narcotics ring that allegedly distributed large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine throughout the greater Rochester, New York area.
According to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, a Federal Grand Jury for the Western District of New York returned an indictment charging Johnny B. Mays, also known as “Blaze,” 40, of Rochester and Jamestown, New York, with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of One Kilogram or More of Heroin; Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine.
If Convicted, Mays Could Face Life In Federal Prison
If convicted at trial, Mays faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison, as well as at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Mays appeared in Federal Court in Buffalo, New York, and was arraigned on the charges before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Roemer, who ordered him detained pending trial.
According to the charging information unsealed in the indictment, it is alleged that between 2018 and May 2022, Mays conspired with Joseph S. Zaso, co-defendant Quentin L.Yancey, and others to distribute and sell large quantities of heroin and fentanyl in the Rochester, New York area.
Joseph S. Zaso was previously charged and convicted in federal court and is currently awaiting sentencing. Charges filed against Quentin Yancey remain pending.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
