Kelvin Thomas, 43, of Jamestown, New York, pleaded guilty on Mar. 13 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.
The case highlights the intersection between drug distribution and sex trafficking operations in the region. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, Thomas conspired with Zaid Mendoza and Cora Waddington between October and December 2022 to operate a sex trafficking ring involving two individuals who struggled with drug addiction.
As part of the operation, Thomas and his co-conspirators provided shelter at a residence on W. Main Street in Falconer, New York, along with food, clothing, and daily doses of heroin or fentanyl in exchange for commercial sex acts performed by the victims. The proceeds from these acts went to Mendoza. Thomas's role included communicating with buyers, posting online advertisements featuring photographs of the victims on Skipthegames.com, transporting them for off-site appointments known as "out calls," and providing protection during these encounters. In return for his assistance in the operation, Thomas received drugs from Mendoza or Waddington.
Thomas also distributed heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine for Mendoza and Waddington while using drugs himself. Investigators conducted three controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Thomas between August 30 and October 30, 2023. On November 1, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Newland Avenue residence associated with Thomas where they seized quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine hydrochloride.
Mendoza and Waddington have already been convicted in connection with this case.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Jamestown Police Department Metro Drug Task Force; Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office County Drug Task Force; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sentencing for Thomas is scheduled for September 22 before Judge Sinatra.
