Pair of people from Jamestown plead guilty to taking part in local drug trafficking conspiracy...
Two city residents have pleaded guilty in federal court to being involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy in Jamestown led by Richard Philbrick. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced Tuesday that 31 year-old Savannah Gross pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Roemer to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition... Ross says 34 year-old Kyle Lewis pled guilty to narcotics conspiracy. Prosecutors say that as a couple -- Gross and Philbrick -- bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and their own use. The couple used and maintained homes on Newland Avenue for their drug trafficking activities. During the course of the investigation, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Gross. They say Lewis distributed amounts of heroin and fentanyl -- sourced in part from Philbrick -- and, he used electronic media to facilitate his drug trafficking activities, including social media and cash applications. Investigators made five controlled purchases of drugs from Lewis during the investigation. Richard Philbrick was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Gross faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison, a maximum of life, and a $10-million fine. Lewis faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1-million fine.
Ohio man arrested for allegedly working with Jamestown drug dealer to traffic heroin, fentanyl, and meth...
A man from Ohio has been arrested for allegedly being part of a drug trafficking conspiracy in Jamestown... led by another known drug kingpin. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced Tuesday that 24 year-old Justin Whitfield of Cincinnati was charged with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison... and, a maximum of life. Federal prosecutors say the U-S Drug Enforcement Administration has investigated the activities of Rocco Beardsley for the past more than four years... and, they determined that Whitfield was part of the local trafficking of heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine. During the investigation... investigators found that Whitfield would supply Beardsley with methamphetamine from the Cinncinati-area. They add that Whitfield introduced Beardsley to the source... and, used social media to conduct drug-related conversations. After an initial court appearance... Whitfield was detained.
Man who helped man killed by drug overdose sentenced...
A Jamestown man who was with a person who died from an overdose of heroin and fentanyl in the city will spend the next two years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross says 29 year-old Brendan Farver received the term in federal court in Buffalo after being convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Prosecutors say Farver bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and meth for profit and his own use, and made deals for other drug dealers in and around the Jamestown area. In late 2020... he brought a heroin/fentanyl mix to an associate identified as "K.T." at that person's Jamestown home. The two then injected the drugs... and the following morning... city police were called to the house for a reported overdose, and "K.T." was found dead.
UPMC reinstates face masking requirement to visit their facilities...
With the recent increase in cases of respiratory viruses -- including Covid, influenza and RSV -- UPMC has reinstated masking requirements at their faclities -- beginning Wednesday. In a press statement... UPMC officials say -- "to protect the health and safety of our employees, patients and visitors, everyone in our health care facilities will wear effective masks... which reduce transmission of respiratory viruses in health care settings." UPMC says they will continue to monitor the number of cases in our communities and adjust our protocols as the situation evolves. The requirement includes UPMC Chautauqua Hospital in Jamestown.
Sundquist reflects on four years as Jamestown Mayor...
Monday night's City Council meeting was the final one for outgoing Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist... who expressed his appreciation for the work of council... city employees... and supporters during his four-years in office. Sundquist says his administration had a rough start with several issues to be dealt with... and, then two months into 2020... the COVID-19 Pandemic hit. He says there were unsettled labor contracts, and social strife. Sundquist adds there were financial successes over the past four year... including reducing costs for health insurance... along with building the city's fund balance to it's largest levels yet. As for public safety... Sundquist says there were some successes... in getting more officers on the street, and adding to their ranks... along with firefighters.
Geise thrilled IDA has approved incentives for project to renovate Wells Enterprises plant in Dunkirk...
A major Dunkirk-area employer will be getting help from the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency in its renovation project. On Tuesday... the IDA's Board of Directors approved incentives to Wells Enterprises, which include a 10-year, $2.2 million Payment in Lieu of Tax agreement... and, an $11.5-million sales tax exemption. CCIDA Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise says it's big news for the area... because Wells will be able to save money on the new, smaller plant facility. However, he adds it will be much more efficient. Geise says he's "thrilled" to help Wells with the project, which will result in the retention of over 400 jobs and, once completed, add about 200 new jobs. He says they've been working with Wells for "some time" on this deal. The renovation project is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
