Anabell Santiago, a 53-year-old resident of Jamestown, New York, has pleaded guilty to charges related to a narcotics conspiracy. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Santiago entered her plea before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., admitting to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and being a user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms. These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and could result in up to 40 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti stated that law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Van Buren Street residence in November 2023. During the operation, officers seized cash, fentanyl, pills, and drug paraphernalia. While securing the apartment, Santiago’s husband and co-defendant Santos Santiago attempted to destroy his fentanyl supply, which caused fentanyl powder to become airborne. Two officers inhaled the substance; one required medical attention due to physical effects.
In March 2024, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Anabell Santiago. The following month, another search warrant was executed at the Santiagos’ Whitley Avenue residence where authorities seized additional quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine, oxycodone, two loaded pistols, ammunition, $30,369 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. According to court documents and admissions by Anabell Santiago, the seized currency represents proceeds from at least 300 grams of fentanyl sales. She also admitted that she was an unlawful and habitual user of fentanyl while possessing firearms.
On January 15, 2025, Anabell Santiago pleaded guilty in Chautauqua County Court to possession of more than four ounces of fentanyl.
Santos Santiago has already been convicted and sentenced to serve 132 months in prison.
The investigation leading to these charges was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration under Frank Tarentino (New York Field Division) and the Jamestown Police Department led by Chief Timothy Jackson.
Sentencing for Anabell Santiago is scheduled for December 23, 2025 before Judge Sinatra.
