Jamestown Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Role In Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 6:45 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

BUFFALO, NY.- A 22-year-old Jamestown, New York, man and local Upstate New York drug dealer will be facing up to 40 years in federal prison when sentenced next year, after pleading guilty last Wednesday for his role in a Jamestown, New York, drug trafficking conspiracy.

     According to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Jaquez Thomas, 22, of Jamestown, New York, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge John L. Sinatra to one count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 40 Grams or More of a Controlled Substance, Fentanyl.

Thomas Will Be Facing Up To 40 Years When Sentenced In March

     Following entering his guilty plea on Wednesday, Judge Sinatra accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2026. At that time, Thomas faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. At sentencing, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offense and Thomas’ prior criminal history. 

     According to the charging information filed with the District Court, beginning in 2020 and lasting through 2022, Thomas distributed quantities of fentanyl and cocaine he had received from Joseph Zaso. During that time, Thomas utilized Facebook and Cash App to conduct his drug trafficking activities. During the conspiracy, Thomas also supplied quantities of fentanyl to Justin Yuchnitz and Joseph Thayer.

     Additionally, Thomas also conspired with Jose Maisonet in 2022. During the spring of 2022, Investigators of the Jamestown Police Department conducted three controlled purchases from Maisonet.

     In July 2022, following the controlled purchases, Investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at Thomas’ Jamestown residence located on Allen Street. During the search, Investigators located and seized a loaded handgun and drug paraphernalia. A court-authorized search warrant was additionally executed at Maisonet’s Forest Avenue residence in Jamestown, New York. During the search, Investigators located and seized quantities of crack cocaine and methamphetamine, digital scales, cellular phones, and $2,715 in U.S. currency in denominations consistent with street-level drug sales.

     Zaso, Thayer, and Yuchnitz have been previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Maisonet was also previously convicted and sentenced in a separate court proceeding.

     U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo commended the investigative work of the Jamestown Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which led to Thomas’ arrest and guilty plea.