United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BUFFALO, N.Y.-Denver Komenda, 47, Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that on October 22, 2021, investigators went to a residence on Locust Street in Jamestown to arrest a fugitive possibly located at the residence. When they arrived, investigators encountered Komenda, who gave permission for a search of the residence. Investigators were unsuccessful in locating the fugitive but discovered and seized a bag of fentanyl that was observed in Komenda’s bedroom.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Division, Buffalo District Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 15, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.