Andre Richards, 26, of Jamestown has pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $10,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey Jacovetti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that in the summer of 2022, law enforcement began investigating the drug trafficking activities of Richards in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties and in Warren, Pa. During the investigation, Richards was charged with several New York State felonies involving the possession and distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl as well as criminal possession of a loaded firearm. Despite these pending felony charges, Richards continued to operate a significant drug trafficking organization. Richards utilized a North Main Street residence in Russell, Pa., as well as a residence on South Work Street in Falconer.

In March 2023, after investigators conducted surveillance of Richards driving around Jamestown and observed him engaging in activity consistent with narcotics dealing, including a brief meeting with an individual that involved a hand-to-hand exchange, search warrants were executed on his vehicle and the residence in Falconer. During the searches, law enforcement seized approximately 84 grams of crystal methamphetamine, $6,600 of United States currency, a digital scale, a drug processing press, a 9mm magazine, and bullets. During a search of the Russell, Pa., residence, law enforcement seized approximately 20 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.

The plea is the result of a joint investigation by the Jamestown Police Department Drug Task Force, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric butler, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Warren County, Pa., Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Brian Zeybel.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 4, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.