A Jamestown man is headed to prison and could be fined millions of dollars in a drug case.

U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross has announced that Roberto Morales Sanchez, 55, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. to narcotics conspiracy involving 1 kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10 million fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that Sanchez bought and sold heroin and fentanyl for profit, and he supplied co-conspirators Ryan Bloom and Rachelle Allison with heroin and fentanyl for distribution. With the assistance of Sanchez, Bloom and Allison utilized a Fairview Avenue residence to conduct their drug trafficking activities. In addition to selling heroin and fentanyl, Bloom and Allison ran a needle exchange out of the residence. Sanchez also utilized his own Willis Street residence for drug trafficking purposes, and possessed a revolver for protection because of his drug business.

On Feb. 26, 2021, while at his residence, Sanchez accused another individual of stealing 20 grams of heroin from him. Sanchez took out his revolver and loaded it in front of the victim, who managed to escape. Subsequently, Jamestown Police executed search warrants on Sanchez’s vehicle and residence, during which law enforcement recovered approximately $24,520 in cash, the loaded revolver, and ammunition.

Defendants Bloom and Allison were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.