Justin Yuchnitz, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl, New York 2024
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Two Jamestown men have pleaded guilty to their roles in a heroin and fentanyl conspiracy that shook the western New York community.
Justin Yuchnitz, 29, and Brandon Andino, 38, both of Jamestown, NY, entered guilty pleas before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo for their involvement in the conspiracy.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, Yuchnitz sold heroin and fentanyl that he received from co-defendant Joseph Zaso, utilizing electronic media, such as Facebook and CashApp, to carry out his drug trafficking activities. In February 2021, he utilized his CashApp account to pay $2000 to Zaso to cover his drug debts.
Andino, on the other hand, distributed large amounts of heroin and fentanyl that he also received from Joseph Zaso. He also distributed heroin and fentanyl on behalf of Zaso to Zaso's associates and customers.
Yuchnitz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and fentanyl, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000. Andino pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.
The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone.
Yuchnitz is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., while Andino is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., both before Judge Vilardo.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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