A federal grand jury has indicted Jeryel L. Winfield, also known as Derezz and Idriys, age 51, of McDonough, Georgia, formerly of Binghamton, New York. The indictment charges Winfield with narcotics conspiracy, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could result in a life sentence.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, the indictment alleges that between 2019 and May 26, 2022, Winfield conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo stated: “A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jeryel L. Winfield a/k/a Derezz a/k/a Idriys, 51, of McDonough, GA, formerly of Binghamton, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.”
The case is part of Operation Take Back America. This initiative brings together resources from the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration issues and target cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts involving the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation was conducted by the Jamestown Police Department led by Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III from the New York Field Division; and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff James Quattrone.
Authorities emphasized that these charges are accusations at this stage. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
