Dwayne Lowery, also known as Chi Chi, of Jamestown, New York, pleaded guilty on Mar. 9 to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and kidnapping, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and could result in a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a $5 million fine.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address drug trafficking and related violent crimes in the region.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donna M. Duncan, Joshua A. Violanti, and Louis A. Testani said that law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lowery’s West Cowden Place residence on December 7, 2022. During the search, officers seized about 59 grams of fentanyl, $1,140 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Investigators had previously conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lowery at his residence.
In mid-October 2023, Lowery invited an individual referred to as the Victim to a North Union Street residence in Olean. For approximately 22 days afterward, he held the Victim at various locations including residences associated with him in Buffalo and Olean as well as a Buffalo hotel. When the Victim tried to escape, Lowery physically prevented her from leaving and regularly provided her with narcotics during this period. On November 3, 2023, the Victim escaped from Lowery’s Buffalo residence and reported being held against her will at Buffalo Police headquarters.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Jamestown Police Department under Acting Chief Scott Forster; the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff James Quattrone; and the Olean Police Department under Chief Ron Richardson.
Sentencing for Lowery is scheduled for July 20 at 10:00 a.m., before Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
