Juan Pacheco Jr. following his August 2016 arrest

BUFFALO – Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced Friday that a federal grand jury has returned an 11-count indictment charging 34 year-old Juan Pacheco, Jr. and 36 year-old Andrew “Bam” Garner, both of Jamestown, with conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms or more of cocaine, over 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and marijuana, and maintaining a drug involved premises.

Pacheco was also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Garner was additionally charged with distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 year in prison for Pacheco and 10 years in prison for Garner. Both face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Fellicetta, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between April 2016 and September 2016, the defendants received large quantities of drugs from California that were smuggled into the United States from Mexico. Members of the Drug Enforcement Administration working collaboratively with law enforcement officers from the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force (JMDTF) identified Pacheco and Garner as significant dealers in the Jamestown area.

On May 19, 2016, JMDTF officers executed a search warrant at Garner’s apartment, located at 840 East 2nd Street in Jamestown. Inside, officers recovered bags containing cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, along with baggies, scales, and a video surveillance system that covered the perimeter of the residence. Garner was arrested on June 14, 2016.

Pacheco was arrested on August 18, 2016, after officers executed a search warrant at a residence, believed to be Pacheco’s stash house, located at 477 Main Street in Jamestown. Officers seized approximately nine kilograms of cocaine, more than three kilograms of methamphetamine, and over six pounds of marijuana. The DEA also seized nearly $133,000 in cash that was found at the residence and approximately $7,000 from Pacheco’s pocket upon his arrest. Two vehicles belonging to Pacheco were also seized in the raid, including a Mercedes C300 and a Ford F150.

The defendants are being detained.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, which includes officers from the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings; the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of William L. Ohnmeiss Jr.; and the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Lieutenant Kevin Reyes and Major David Krause.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.