A Jamestown resident has admitted to participating in a drug conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Jaquez Thomas, 22, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. This offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and could result in up to 40 years.
Prosecutors stated that between 2020 and 2022, Thomas distributed both fentanyl and cocaine that he obtained from Joseph Zaso. Authorities say Thomas used Facebook and Cash App as tools for his drug trafficking activities. During the course of the conspiracy, Thomas supplied fentanyl to Justin Yuchnitz and Joseph Thayer.
In addition, Thomas worked with Jose Maisonet in 2022. In the spring of that year, Jamestown Police conducted three controlled purchases from Maisonet. In July 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Thomas’ residence on Allen Street, where they found a loaded handgun and drug paraphernalia. Another search warrant was carried out at Maisonet’s Forest Avenue home; during this operation officers seized suspected crack cocaine and methamphetamine, digital scales, cell phones, and $2,715 in cash.
Joseph Zaso, Joseph Thayer, and Justin Yuchnitz have all been previously convicted in connection with this case and are awaiting sentencing. Jose Maisonet was also previously convicted and sentenced separately.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” according to officials. “Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Jamestown Police Department led by Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III for New York Field Division; as well as the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office headed by Sheriff James Quattrone.
Thomas is scheduled for sentencing on March 20, 2026 before Judge Sinatra.
