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.