Joint operation leads to dismantlement of meth ring in Jamestown, NY

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; New York Division, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., announced that Mark R. Maio, 34, Brittany L. Dellahoy, 28, both of East Randolph, NY, and Brandon Smith, 32, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine and cocaine, and maintaining a drug involved premises. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, since March 2018, the Jamestown Police Department Narcotics Unit and the DEA Buffalo Resident Office have been investigating defendants Maio and Smith for distributing methamphetamine in and around the City of Jamestown, NY. During the course of the investigation, the narcotics unit conducted controlled purchases of narcotics from defendant Maio. Maio and Smith have been arrested by Jamestown Police on multiple occasions for violations of New York State Penal Law relating to the sale and possession of methamphetamine.

On Jan. 24, 2019, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force executed a state search warrant at the Main Street residence of defendants Maio and Dellahoy. During the search, Maio and defendant Smith were present in the residence. As officers executed the search, Smith attempted to leave but was detained. Officers searched Smith and recovered quantities of crystal methamphetamine and marijuana. Maio and Dellahoy were also searched. Officers recovered crack cocaine and a large amount of cash from Maio.

During the search of the residence, officers recovered more marijuana and crystal methamphetamine, as well as a digital scale, and other drug packaging and paraphernalia.

The defendants made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and are being held pending a detention hearing on Feb. 1, 2019.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department; the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Buffalo Resident Office.

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.

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