JAMESTOWN — A 48-year-old man pleaded guilty Tuesday to his role in a drug conspiracy that distributed heroin and fentanyl in the area.
Joseph Thayer entered his plea before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the plea in federal court in Buffalo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani said Thayer conspired with his roommate, Justin Yuchnitz, to sell heroin and fentanyl supplied by Jaquez Thomas.
Thayer was aware that Thomas’s source of supply was Joseph Zaso, prosecutors said.
During the conspiracy, Yuchnitz amassed a $4,500 debt to Thomas and Zaso, which Thayer tried to help pay off.
Thayer is responsible for distributing at least 462 grams of fentanyl, according to court documents.
Defendants Yuchnitz and Zaso were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
Charges remain pending against defendant Thomas.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that uses Department of Justice resources to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Jamestown Police Department under Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff James Quattrone.
Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
