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.

Ramael Fields and Teela Nichols

JAMESTOWN – Two city residents have been charged with heroin possession and child endangerment following a drug bust at the Appleyard Terrace Apartments at E. Second St.

City police say 28 year-old Teela Nicholas and 24 year-old Ramael Fields were babysitting four small children at 616 E. Second St. when police entered the home with a warrant as part of a drug investigation.

Both subjects were charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. A quantity of heroin was located in a bedroom accessible to the children.

Both subjects were transported to the city jail and were awaiting arraignment Thursday morning.