Jamestown Meth Dealer Faces Decade-Plus Behind Bars

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Richard S. Dean, 44, of Jamestown, New York, is looking at a long stretch in federal prison after admitting to his role in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution network. Dean pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine – a quantity that carries serious weight under federal law.

The feds aren’t messing around. Dean faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, but could receive life in prison, and a hefty $10,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti detailed how Dean acted as a key distributor for co-defendant Douglas Beardsley, regularly picking up ounces of meth and grams of heroin from Beardsley’s Jamestown residences on Linden and Forest Avenues, multiple times a week. Beardsley reportedly “fronted” the narcotics, essentially loaning Dean drugs to sell and pocketing a cut.

The pair didn’t even bother with secure communication. According to court documents, Dean and Beardsley brazenly discussed their drug trafficking operation – including via their Facebook accounts. Their operation came crashing down on January 6, 2019, when local law enforcement spotted Dean acting suspiciously. He took off running, but was quickly apprehended on an outstanding warrant. A search of Dean at the Jamestown City jail revealed a treasure trove of drug paraphernalia: methamphetamine, heroin, plastic baggies for packaging, a digital scale for weighing, and Dimethyl Sulfone – a common cutting agent used to stretch the meth and increase profits.

Dean already has a local conviction on his record. On March 21, 2019, he pleaded guilty in Chautauqua County Court to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance-5th Degree: Intent to Sell, and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance-5th Degree. This federal plea, however, represents a far more serious escalation of consequences. The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Jamestown Police Department, highlights the coordinated approach authorities are taking to dismantle drug networks in upstate New York.

Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito of the ATF’s New York Field Division and Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan of the DEA’s New York Field Division oversaw the investigation, alongside Acting Chief Timothy Jackson of the Jamestown Police Department. While Dean has admitted his guilt, charges remain pending against Douglas Beardsley. Authorities remind the public that an indictment is not proof of guilt; Beardsley, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Dean’s sentencing is scheduled for November 23, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara. Expect a substantial prison term for this Jamestown dealer. The Grimy Times will be there to report the final outcome.

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