JAMESTOWN, NY — A federal grand jury has indicted a local man on multiple charges including sex trafficking, kidnapping and drug distribution.
Edward E. Leeper, Jr., also known as Edward E. Barnes, Jr., 47, of Jamestown, faces charges of attempted sex trafficking, sex trafficking, kidnapping, aiding and abetting, distribution of fentanyl, and maintaining a drug involved premises, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 90 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.
According to the indictment, between 2019 and 2024, Leeper is accused of sex trafficking or attempting to sex traffic and kidnapping a total of eight victims, using force and threats of force.
Leeper also used a Broadhead Avenue residence for his drug trafficking activities, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case.
Leeper is also charged in a separate federal case with narcotics trafficking.
He is accused of conspiring with Joseph S. Zaso and others to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area between 2018 and May 26, 2022.
Anyone who has been victimized by Leeper or has information regarding his alleged illegal behavior is asked to call Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Jamestown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.
