A man described as a major drug supplier by police was denied bail Friday in United States District court.
Jose Martinez, 39, also known as Julio Melendez and Noelle, of 8 W. 11th St., has been incarcerated since June 11 when he was federally charged with conspiring to distribute and distributing cocaine in the Jamestown area. He was charged in relation to the Quentin Leeper drug distribution ring.
According to Lt. John Runkle of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, Martinez was denied bail for a number of reasons.
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Jose ‘‘Noelle’’ Martinez
''The judge decided that based upon his propensity for violence as indicated by his prior criminal record, his concerns about ensuring the safety of the community and concerns about him not attending future court dates based on the severity of the charges all played their part in denying bail,'' Runkle said. ''Martinez has an extensive criminal record.''
Runkle said in the early 1990s, Martinez was charged with attempted murder. When he was charged in connection with ''Operation Q-Dog,'' in June, he was out on bail from drug-related charges in Pennsylvania.
In early April, Martinez was charged in Pennsylvania with one count of corrupt organizations, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of delivery of a controlled substance.
He is being held in the Monroe County Jail because U.S. Marshals decided to place him in that institution, Lt. Runkle said.
When arrested, Martinez was described by Lt. Runkle as one of the most significant drug suppliers he has dealt with in his 25-year career.
''I don't recall anybody more substantial in terms of cocaine trafficking or anybody who had such an impact on this area,'' Runkle previously said.
''Operation Q-Dog'' led to 13 people receiving drug-related charges, and according to Runkle, the task force is continuing to investigate and will seek additional prosecutions.
Martinez will remain in jail until the case is heard in court. If convicted, he faces a 30-years-to-life sentence as a career felony offender.