Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, the defendants are accused of operating a drug trafficking organization, primarily involving methamphetamine, in the Jamestown area, since March 2017.

Arrested were:

• Zackiel Fields, Jr.;
• Ernest Cauley, Jr., a/k/a L.A., a/k/a Ernie;
• Jamell Trapp, a/k/a K.S.;
• Ramael Fields;
• Stephanie L. Harrison;
• Marcus Martin Bowman;
• Danny W. Michael, Ill;
• Alexis V. Hall;
• Destiny J. Hare;
• Andrew C. Bennett;
• Searcy E. Fields;
• Jacob A. Motherwell;
• Michael A. Davis; and
• Stacie N. Yancer

During the execution of search warrants throughout the investigation, officers reportedly recovered 10 firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition, 20 cellphones, drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency.

Jamestown police have dubbed the indictment as “Operation Meltdown Part 2” – referencing the large-scale drug conspiracy brought to light in June in which officials outlined how methamphetamine originating from Mexico was being distributed to Dunkirk and Jamestown.

All 14 city residents were arraigned on a 42-count federal grand jury indictment earlier this week.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $10,000,000 fine.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings.

Jamestown Police Chief Harry Snellings stands with other local, state and federal officials on June 19 to provide details of a major meth trafficking investigation and 18 subsequent arrests.

JAMESTOWN – A joint effort by local, state, and federal authorities has led to the arrest of 18 individuals involved with allegedly trafficking and selling methamphetamine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Karaszewski was in Jamestown Tuesday to announce details of Operation Meltdown.  He was joined by representatives from the Jamestown Police Department, the Town Of Ellicott Police, the New York State Police, the FBI and the ATF.

Karaszewski said the investigation began in November 2017 when it was learned individuals were using the U.S. Post Office to ship methamphetamine from California to Fredonia. The drug, which was described as 97 percent pure, originated from Mexico. Once in Fredonia, the drug was then distributed throughout Chautauqua County, including here in Jamestown. In all about seven pounds of the drug, with an estimated street value of $300,000, made its way into  the area during the past seven months.

The individuals who were arrested in Operation Meltdown, a joint investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in Chautauqua County, NY.

Karaszewski said the drugs were sent to the home of 27-year-old Jamell Trapp and Marcus Bowman of Fredonia. The two men were arrested on Monday and charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Also arrested on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute were 44 year-old Danny Michael III; 23 year-old Alexis Hall, 29 year-old Andrew Bennett, 49 year-old Searcy Fields, 29 year-old Jacob Motherwell, 33 year-old Michael Davis, and 38 year-old Stacie Yancer, all of Jamestown, and 29 year-old Destiny Hare of Randolph.

Six other Jamestown area residents were also arrested on state charges of conspiracy to distribute of methamphetamine. They were 22 year-old Evan Motherwell, 50 year-old Tina Motherwell, 50, 37 year-old Joey Weise, 45 year-old Christina Dean, 25 year-old Jarred Dean, and 42 year-old Richard Dean.

Jamestown Police Chief Harry Snellings acknowledged that several of the names on the list are repeat offenders, but added that for those now facing federal charges, there’s a strong likelihood they wont be back on the streets any time soon.

All individuals are being held to await further court proceedings.

Michael Davis

JAMESTOWN – A city man was arrested Tuesday following a police raid where drugs and several guns were found inside his home.

According to Jamestown Police, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task force executed a search warrant around 2:25 p.m. at 25 Baker St. as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking. Police say they found crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, drug paraphernalia, two hand guns, and five long guns.

Arrested was 33-year-old Michael Davis, who faces multiple charges. He was being held in the Jamestown City Jail pending arraignment.

According to the Jamestown Police Department, officers noticed a white motorcycle traveling east on the Arterial with no lights and making an illegal turn at about 1:40 a.m. Tuesday. Officers attempted to pull the motorcyclist over, but he instead accelerated in an effort to flee from police. Police say the motorcyclist eventually crashed at the corner of Forest and Barrett Avenues and then fled on foot. He was eventually caught by police and after a brief struggle was brought into custody.

City police identified the motorcyclist as 32 year-old Michael Davis. While in custody, police reportedly found a quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana on his possession.

Davis was charged with 3rd degree unlawfully fleeing  a police officer in a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, obstructing government administration, unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and 2nd degree aggravated unauthorized operation. He was sent to the city jail to await arraignment.