U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the sentencing of Santos Santiago, a 49-year-old from Jamestown, NY, to 132 months in prison for narcotics conspiracy. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti detailed that investigators carried out a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Santiago in November 2023. On November 8, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Santiago's Van Buren Street residence, shared with his wife Anabell. During the search, authorities seized cash, fentanyl, pills, and drug paraphernalia. As officers secured the premises, Santiago attempted to destroy fentanyl, resulting in an airborne release that affected two officers; one required medical attention.
Further investigations in March 2024 led to additional controlled purchases of fentanyl from Santiago. In April 2024, another search warrant at a Whitley Avenue residence yielded more drugs and weapons: fentanyl, crack cocaine, two loaded pistols (one stolen), ammunition, $30,369 in cash, drug paraphernalia, a switchblade knife, and oxycodone tablets.
Co-defendant Anabell Santiago still faces pending charges.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Field Division under Frank Tarentino and the Jamestown Police Department under Chief Timothy Jackson.
