A federal grand jury has indicted Quentin L. Yancey, also known as Q, a 38-year-old resident of Rochester, New York, for his involvement in a narcotics conspiracy. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and could lead to life imprisonment if convicted.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani are managing the case and have stated that Yancey conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others from 2018 to May 26, 2022, to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Rochester area. Zaso has already been charged, convicted, and is awaiting sentencing.
Yancey was arraigned before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Roemer and is currently detained.
This indictment forms part of an operation under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF focuses on identifying and dismantling high-level criminal organizations posing threats to the United States through a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies.
The investigation leading to Yancey's indictment was conducted by the Jamestown Police Department, led by 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.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation at this stage, and Yancey is presumed innocent until proven guilty.