A Jamestown woman has pleaded guilty to charges related to narcotics distribution and firearm possession, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Sabrina Flores, also known as Notorious Marie, age 25, entered her plea before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Flores admitted to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl. She also pleaded guilty to being a user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. These offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could result in up to life imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti stated that Flores was associated with Zaid Mendoza, who is described as a drug trafficker based in Jamestown. Flores distributed heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine on Mendoza’s behalf and used Facebook as part of her drug trafficking activities.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mendoza’s West Main Street residence on December 7, 2022. During the search, officers seized $1,800 in cash; 34 grams of fentanyl; 14 grams of methamphetamine; one gram containing a mixture of fentanyl, cocaine, para-fluorofentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, ANPP (4-anilino-N-phenethyl-4-piperidine), and methamphetamine; a semi-automatic pistol; and a large capacity magazine. Flores acknowledged that she was an unlawful and habitual user of fentanyl at the time she possessed the firearm.
Charges against Zaid Mendoza are still pending.
The case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF brings together multiple government agencies with the goal of dismantling criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating within the United States and abroad. The task force focuses on crimes such as human smuggling and trafficking rings and prioritizes cases involving child trafficking or other crimes affecting children. It also seeks to prosecute and remove violent criminal aliens from the country.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff James Quattrone; the Jamestown Police Department led by Chief Timothy Jackson; and the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam for New York Field Division.
Sentencing for Flores is scheduled for August 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., before Judge Sinatra.
