Russell Sims, a 32-year-old resident of Jamestown, New York, has been arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. If convicted, Sims faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katerina F. Powers and Joshau A. Violanti, the incident occurred in the early morning hours of July 20, 2025. A Jamestown Police officer stopped a vehicle near East 6th Street with Sims as a passenger. The officer observed that Sims appeared agitated and ordered both him and the driver out of the car for separate interviews, during which their accounts differed.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of cocaine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and four cell phones. Authorities also found fentanyl on Sims himself.
The investigation involved several agencies: the Jamestown Police Department under Chief Timothy Jackson; Homeland Security Investigations led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office headed by Sheriff James Quattrone.
“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.”
