Niagara Falls man pleads guilty to drug and gun charges

Submitted by the United States Attorney's Office

Western District of New York 

Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jermaine McQueen, 46, of Niagara Falls, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine up to $5,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that, on Aug. 28, 2024, investigators executed search warrants at several locations associated with McQueen. They seized approximately 405 grams of cocaine, approximately 300 grams of fentanyl, and approximately 6 grams of crack cocaine, drug packaging materials, $10,625 in cash, and several pieces of jewelry, which constitute proceeds of narcotics trafficking. During the investigation, law enforcement made controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from McQueen.

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 plea is the result of an Investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Nick Ligammari; the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti; the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass; the New York State Police, under the direction of Maj. Amie Feroleto; and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.