A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Jamestown man with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force and coercion, sex trafficking by force and coercion, kidnapping, narcotics conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and using and maintaining a drag-involved premises. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.

U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross made the announcement Tuesday involving Duane Lowery aka Chi Chi, 29.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donna M. Duncan and Joshua A. Violanti, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between October and December 2022, Lowery conspired with others to coerce individuals to engage in commercial sex acts. Specifically, Lowery forced an individual to engage in a commercial sex act. In addition, between October and November 2023, Lowery kidnapped two individuals.

The indictment also accuses Lowery of conspiring with others to sell and selling fentanyl, using a W. Cowden Place residence in Jamestown for his drug trafficking activities.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Olean Police Department under the direction of Police Chief Ron Richardson.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.