BUFFALO, NY — A Jamestown man pleaded guilty to federal drug and kidnapping charges that carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
Dwayne Lowery, also known as Chi Chi, 31, of Jamestown, pleaded guilty Monday before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and kidnapping.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of $5,000,000.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the guilty plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donna M. Duncan, Joshua A. Violanti, and Louis A. Testani are handling the case.
On Dec. 7, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lowery’s West Cowden Place residence, seizing approximately 59 grams of fentanyl, $1,140 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.
Prior to the search warrant, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lowery at his residence.
In mid-October 2023, Lowery invited a victim to a North Union Street residence in Olean.
For approximately 22 days, the victim was held by Lowery at various locations, including residences associated with Lowery in Buffalo and Olean, and a Buffalo hotel.
When the victim attempted to flee, Lowery physically prevented her from doing so.
During this time, Lowery regularly provided the victim with narcotics.
On Nov. 3, 2023, the victim escaped Lowery’s Buffalo residence, went to Buffalo Police headquarters, and reported that she was being held against her will.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Olean Police Department under the direction of Police Chief Ron Richardson.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 20 at 10 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
