A federal grand jury has indicted Edward E. Leeper, Jr., also known as Edward E. Barnes, Jr., age 47 and a resident of Jamestown, New York, on charges that include attempted sex trafficking, sex trafficking, kidnapping, aiding and abetting, distribution of fentanyl, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 years in prison and could result in a life sentence.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, the indictment alleges that between 2019 and 2024, Leeper either trafficked or attempted to traffic and kidnapped eight victims using force or threats of force. The indictment further states that Leeper used a residence on Broadhead Avenue for distributing drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Leeper faces additional federal charges related to narcotics trafficking. He is accused of conspiring with Joseph S. Zaso and others to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area from 2018 through May 26, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the indictment on Friday in Buffalo. “If you have been victimized by Edward Leeper, Jr. in any way or have any additional information regarding his alleged illegal behavior, please call Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE,” the announcement stated.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. The operation coordinates resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Jamestown Police Department led by Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III for the New York Field Division; and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff James Quattrone.
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation at this stage; Leeper is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
