A federal grand jury has indicted Edward E. Leeper, Jr., also known as Edward E. Barnes, Jr., age 47, of Jamestown, New York, on charges including attempted sex trafficking, sex trafficking, kidnapping, aiding and abetting, distribution of fentanyl, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 years in prison and a maximum of life.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, the indictment alleges that between 2019 and 2024, Leeper was involved in the sex trafficking or attempted sex trafficking and kidnapping of eight victims using force and threats. The indictment also states that Leeper used a residence on Broadhead Avenue for distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Leeper faces additional federal charges related to narcotics trafficking. He is accused of conspiring with Joseph S. Zaso and others to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area from 2018 until May 26, 2022.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have been victimized by Edward Leeper, Jr., or who has information about his alleged activities, to contact Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America. This initiative aims to use resources from the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration issues, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime by coordinating efforts through programs such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations; the Jamestown Police Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Field Division; and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo stated: “The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
