Garland Beardsley, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, New York 2020

In a shocking turn of events, Garland Beardsley, 53, of Jamestown NY, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000.

The guilty plea comes after an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Misha Coulson, who are handling the case, Beardsley was an associate in a drug trafficking ring led by his nephew, co-defendant Rocco Beardsley, which sold methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and hydrocodone in the Jamestown area. Beardsley distributed methamphetamine to Rocco Beardsley’s customers. Rocco Beardsley stored, distributed, and manufactured methamphetamine, heroin/fentanyl, and other controlled substances at the defendant’s residence on Newland Avenue in Jamestown.

On January 21 and February 11, 2020, an individual working with investigators purchased crystal methamphetamine from Rocco Beardsley at the defendant’s residence.

Charges remain pending against Rocco Beardsley. 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.

Beardsley’s plea is the result of a lengthy investigation and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

The case highlights the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in the Jamestown area and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies.

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