A Jamestown man, Russell Sims, 32, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. The charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katerina F. Powers and Joshau A. Violanti stated that the arrest followed a traffic stop conducted by a Jamestown Police officer in the early morning hours of July 20, 2025, near East 6th Street. Sims was a passenger in the vehicle at the time. The officer noted Sims appeared agitated and ordered both him and the driver out of the vehicle for questioning. During separate interviews, Sims and the driver gave inconsistent statements.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of cocaine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and four cell phones. Additional fentanyl was found on Sims’s person.
The investigation involved cooperation between several agencies: the Jamestown Police Department led by Chief Timothy Jackson; Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office headed by Sheriff James Quattrone.
Authorities emphasized: "The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."
