Two injured in Hanover accident

HANOVER — A two-car motor vehicle accident on Alleghany Road late Wednesday led to two individuals being transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk with injuries.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident at 9:30 p.m. A third subject involved was uninjured. Railroad traffic was shut for a period of time as a result of the accident.

At this time, the investigation is still on going and charges are pending. The sheriff’s office was assisted by several volunteer fire departments, New York State Police and Border Patrol.

Jamestown man sentenced for role in drug trafficking ring

A Jamestown man convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin has been sentenced to more than 6 years in prison.

Bryan Ferrer-Vazquez, 27, received his 78-month sentence by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura A. Higgins and Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who handled the case, stated that beginning in early 2016, Ferrer-Vazquez allegedly distributed heroin and cocaine for a drug trafficking organization led by co-defendant Sigfredo Martinez. The city man was responsible for the “day shift” transactions, while another co-defendant, Alex Mercado, was responsible for “night shift” transactions.

Ferrer-Vazquez would reportedly receive a couple hundred bundles of heroin from Martinez every few days and was tasked with distributing it to users and lower-level dealers. He then turned over the proceeds to Martinez and took payment for his role in the distribution.

During the course of the investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted three controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine from Ferrer-Vazquez, who was arrested on April 6, 2017, at his Buffalo Street residence. A federal search warrant was executed at the residence and investigators recovered 19 cellphones, a quantity of suspected cocaine hidden in lunchboxes in the rafters of the basement, a quantity of suspected heroin, $2,994 in cash, three ledger notebooks and a scale. A loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun was found wrapped in rags and a plastic shopping bag locked inside a cabinet in the detached garage.

Alex Mercado and Sigfredo Martinez were both previously convicted and sentenced to serve 120 months and 175 months in prison respectively.

Jamestown man indicted on federal drug, gun charges

A federal grand jury has indicted a Jamestown man on drug and gun charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Wade J. Paulisick, Jr., 22, is facing charges of possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, five grams or more of methamphetamine, buprenorphine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activities, and possession of a stolen firearm.

According to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and the Jamestown Police Swat Team executed a search warrant Sept. 26, 2019, at Paulisick’s Tower Street residence. Officers recovered a quantity of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as a handgun.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, the New York State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force.