John Wallace Buchanan, Distribution of Fentanyl Causing Death, New York 2022

Buffalo, NY – In a tragic case of drug trafficking, John Wallace Buchanan, 36, of Fredonia, NY, has been arrested and charged with distribution of fentanyl causing death, narcotics conspiracy, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, investigators found that Buchanan was discussing the sale of narcotics with the victim, B.G., on Facebook Messenger prior to B.G.’s death.

The investigation, led by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss Jr., revealed that Buchanan had been attempting to sell firearms to B.G. in December 2021.

At the scene of B.G.’s death, officers recovered ammunition and three firearms. Investigators believe that B.G. and Buchanan also discussed firearms transactions in the conversation prior to B.G.’s death.

Buchanan was ordered detained following a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the complaint is the result of the joint investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ellicott Police Department.

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.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Rosbel Garcia, Cocaine Trafficking, Texas 2018

Jan 14, 2020

Drug Trafficking

Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, Heroin Trafficking, New Hampshire 2016

Mar 23, 2018

Drug Trafficking

Clarence Nero, Fentanyl Trafficking, Texas 2025

Jun 24, 2025

Drug Trafficking

Jesus Martinez, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Rhode Island 2024

Nov 22, 2021