Two Jamestown men charged in superseding indictment with selling fentanyl causing serious bodily injury, Hobbs Act robbery and kidnapping

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Blake D. Smith a/k/a Sweets, 50, and Willie Graham a/k/a Wu, 45, both of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, Hobbs Act Robbery, kidnapping, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In addition, Smith is charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and distribution of fentanyl causing serious bodily injury. Both defendants face a maximum of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between February 2017, and January 2024, Smith and Graham conspired with Joseph S. Zaso, and others, to sell heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Jamestown area. During the conspiracy, Smith possessed a firearm.

Between May 9 and 11, 2023, Smith sold fentanyl causing serious bodily injury to individuals identified as R. P. and D.C.

On March 8 and 9, 2023, the defendants kidnapped an individual identified as D.D. and robbed a $25,000 check from D.D. In furtherance of the robbery, a firearm was brandished.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

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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