Anabell Santiago, a 53-year-old resident of Jamestown, New York, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to narcotics distribution and firearms possession. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
Santiago entered her plea before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., admitting to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl and cocaine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and being a user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms. These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and could result in up to 40 years.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Van Buren Street residence in November 2023. During the operation, officers seized cash, fentanyl, pills, and drug paraphernalia. While securing the apartment, Santiago’s husband and co-defendant Santos Santiago attempted to destroy fentanyl by causing it to become airborne; two officers inhaled the substance and one required medical attention.
In March 2024, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Anabell Santiago. The following month, authorities searched the Santiagos’ Whitley Avenue home and found fentanyl, crack cocaine, oxycodone, two loaded pistols, ammunition, $30,369 in cash, and additional drug paraphernalia. Santiago admitted that the seized currency represented proceeds from at least 300 grams of fentanyl sales and acknowledged she was an unlawful user of fentanyl while possessing firearms.
On January 15, 2025, Anabell Santiago also pleaded guilty in Chautauqua County Court for possessing more than four ounces of fentanyl.
Santos Santiago has been convicted and sentenced to serve 132 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo credited the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Field Division under Frank Tarentino and the Jamestown Police Department led by Chief Timothy Jackson for their roles in the investigation.
Sentencing for Anabell Santiago is scheduled for December 23, 2025 before Judge Sinatra.
