A Binghamton man has pleaded guilty to a federal narcotics conspiracy charge for his involvement in a heroin and cocaine trafficking operation.
United States Attorney for the Western District of New York Michael DiGiacomo announced on May 28 that Jeryel Winfield, 52, pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy, a charge which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years, after accepting a plea agreement on May 26.
In a U.S. grand jury indictment from October 2023, Winfield was accused of possessing one kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine with the intent to distribute.
Between 2019 and May 26, 2022, Winfield conspired with 40-year-old Joseph S. Zaso and other unnamed people to sell heroin. He served as the supply source for Zaso, of Buffalo, who pleaded guilty in federal court to narcotics conspiracy, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and concealment of material fact in May 2024. Zaso was the leader of the drug trafficking activity and the “source of supply for several Jamestown drug dealers,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Western New York.
Winfield utilized Cash App, a mobile payment service, and Facebook to facilitate his drug trafficking activities. He received proceeds from his involvement in the conspiracy.
The case was investigated by the Jamestown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Division and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.
Winfield’s sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 23 in the U.S. District Courthouse in the City of Buffalo.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton man pleads guilty to federal narcotics conspiracy charge
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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