BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Garson E. Butcher, 29, and Alisha D. Centi, 26, both of Jamestown, NY, with distribution of fentanyl causing death, narcotics conspiracy, and using and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between March 2020, and June 2021, Butcher and Centi conspired with others to possess and sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. On March 29, 2020, Butcher and Centi are accused of selling fentanyl which resulted in the death of an individual identified as T.R. In addition, Butcher and Centi allegedly used residences on Fairview Avenue and Roland Road to manufacture and distribute heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michel J. Roemer and are being held pending a detention hearing.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Kruskall, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. #
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
