Richard Pearson, a resident of Jamestown, New York, has pleaded guilty to charges related to drug distribution and firearm possession. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Pearson's guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo could lead to a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti provided details on the case, stating that law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at a residence on Newland Avenue in Jamestown on June 25, 2024. During the search, authorities confiscated cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, suboxone strips, $200 in cash, a digital scale, and a firearm with Pearson present at the scene.
Pearson's legal troubles are compounded by his previous felony convictions from Chautauqua County Court in 2018 and 2009 and Federal Court in 2006. These prior convictions legally prohibit him from possessing firearms.
This case is part of an operation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF aims to identify and dismantle major criminal organizations through collaborative efforts across multiple agencies using intelligence-driven strategies.
The investigation leading to Pearson's plea involved cooperation between the Jamestown Police Department under Chief Timothy Jackson and the Drug Enforcement Administration led by Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino of the New York Field Division.
For further information about OCDETF operations, visit https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.