U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Johnny B. Mays, also known as Blaze, for his alleged involvement in a narcotics conspiracy. Mays, 40, from Rochester and Jamestown, New York, faces charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could lead to life imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani stated that between 2018 and May 26, 2022, Mays allegedly conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and co-defendant Quentin L. Yancey to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Rochester area. Zaso has already been charged and convicted; he is currently awaiting sentencing. Charges against Yancey are still pending.
Mays was arraigned before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Roemer and remains detained.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at eliminating illegal immigration influences, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. The operation involves collaboration between the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The indictment results from investigations 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 directed by Sheriff James Quattrone.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
