Blake D. Smith, Fentanyl Trafficking, New York 2024

Two Jamestown Men Charged in Superseding Indictment

In a devastating blow to the city's underworld, two Jamestown men have been charged with selling fentanyl causing serious bodily injury, Hobbs Act robbery, and kidnapping.

According to the superseding indictment, Blake D. Smith, 50, a/k/a Sweets, and Willie Graham, 45, a/k/a Wu, both of Jamestown, NY, conspired with Joseph S. Zaso, and others, to sell heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Jamestown area between February 2017, and January 2024.

During this time, Smith possessed a firearm and sold fentanyl causing serious bodily injury to individuals identified as R. P. and D.C. between May 9 and 11, 2023. On March 8 and 9, 2023, the defendants kidnapped an individual identified as D.D. and robbed a $25,000 check from D.D.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti is handling the case, which is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the government to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

Defendant Blake D. Smith, 50, faces a maximum of life in prison and is charged with:

• Narcotics conspiracy
• Hobbs Act Robbery
• Kidnapping
• Use of a firearm during a crime of violence
• Use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
• Possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking
• Distribution of fentanyl causing serious bodily injury

Both defendants face a maximum of life in prison. 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.

This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of law enforcement working together to bring those responsible to justice.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/two-jamestown-men-charged-superseding-indictment-selling-fentanyl-causing-serious