OLEAN — A 42-year-old Olean woman was arrested and charged with multiple drug and gun offenses related to her alleged role in a drug trafficking operation, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Tuesday.
Janine McKenney faces charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation began on Feb. 17 when Erie County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a woman slumped over in a vehicle at a gas station in Springville.
Deputies located the vehicle after it had left the gas station and conducted a traffic stop, during which McKenney allegedly provided a false name.
She was detained after deputies observed a glass pipe designed for smoking crack cocaine in the vehicle, and authorities said she appeared to be attempting to conceal suspected crack cocaine as she exited the car.
A search of the vehicle revealed quantities of narcotics, including methamphetamine, according to prosecutors.
The following day, during an intake search at the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Holding Center, deputies discovered three bags of suspected narcotics on McKenney’s person.
A search of her cell phone revealed photographs of ledgers, firearms, and suspected narcotics that appeared to be packaged for sale, officials said.
Later that evening, investigators executed a search warrant at McKenney’s Olean residence, where they reportedly found quantities of suspected cocaine, morphine pills, and drug paraphernalia.
Authorities also recovered three loaded pistols, ammunition, and $2,519 in cash, with two of the pistols previously reported stolen.
McKenney was convicted of a drug felony in New York State Court in November 2014 and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the drug charges, a mandatory minimum of five years for the firearm possession in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 15 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, Olean Police Department, and New York State Police.
The charges are merely accusations, and McKenney is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
