U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Latika Saintkitts, also known as Tika, from Jamestown, New York. The indictment charges her with narcotics conspiracy, which could result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani are handling the case. According to the indictment, between 2018 and May 26, 2022, Saintkitts conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area. Co-defendants include Andres Pizzaro Campos, Max Pizzaro Campos, Cindy Frank, Edward Leeper, and Jaquez L. Thomas. Joseph Zaso has already been charged and convicted; he is currently awaiting sentencing.
Saintkitts was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and subsequently released.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The operation utilizes resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation leading to this indictment involved multiple agencies: the Jamestown Police Department under Chief Timothy Jackson's direction; the Drug Enforcement Administration led by Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the New York Field Division; and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office directed by Sheriff James Quattrone.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
