OBSERVER Staff Report
Thirteen people have been charged Thursday following a warrant sweep that targeted drug trafficking and activity.
Investigators and officers from the Jamestown Police Department, with the assistance of the New York State Police, Department of Homeland Security, United States Marshals Service and Chautauqua County Probation, carried out multiple search warrants in Jamestown.
The sweep was the culmination of a number of investigations by the Jamestown Police Department's Drug Enforcement Unit. In addition to the 13 people charged Thursday, detainers were sent for three other individuals who were already in custody in New York state prisons or holding centers.
Matthew C. Hillman, 27, of Jamestown, Michael A. Taylor, 42, of Jamestown, Dennison O. Lawrence Sr., 64, of Jamestown, Silk E. Spencer, 25, of Jamestown, Edward L. Beish, 23, of Jamestown, Adifah C. Wilkes, 29, of Jamestown, Carlos L. Rivera, 46, of Jamestown, Juan A. Perez, 38, of Jamestown, Joshua D. Pelfrey, 23, of Jamestown, DeMario Watkins, 31, of Buffalo, Jason S. French, 38, of Jamestown, Stephanie A. Czarniak, 22, and Devon R. Cottom, 29, formerly of Jamestown but currently in the New York State prison in Elmira, were all charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class B felony.
Shane M. Messere, 36, of Jamestown, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a class A misdemeanor.
A 16-year-old Jamestown male was charged with second-degree criminal sale of marijuana, a class C felony.
Katilyn M. George, 18, of Falconer was taken into custody on a probation warrant.
More charges are expected as the investigation continues. Anyone with information regarding the sale or possession of narcotics is asked to call the Jamestown Police Department's anonymous tip line at 483-8477. All calls and callers will remain confidential.
