A Jamestown man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced Tuesday that Denver Komenda, 47, entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10 million.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that on Oct. 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 operation. The Task Force 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 Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. before Judge Arcara.