Jamestown Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Social Media Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in Death
Law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases from the man and uncovered a network of money transfers tied to the drug operation.
A Jamestown man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that resulted in a fatal fentanyl overdose, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Rocco A. Beardsley, 39, was convicted of narcotics conspiracy and the distribution of fentanyl that led to the death of an individual identified as J.A. U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. handed down the 300-month sentence.
Federal prosecutors stated that between late 2018 and March 2020, Beardsley conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other controlled substances in the Jamestown area. On April 9, 2019, he sold a combination of acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl that resulted in a fatal overdose. Authorities allege that after learning of the individual’s death, Beardsley attempted to cover up his involvement by directing others to destroy evidence.
The investigation revealed that Beardsley used social media to facilitate drug sales and operated from residences on Sampson Street and Cowden Place in Jamestown. Law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases from Beardsley and uncovered a network of money transfers tied to the drug operation.
Search warrants executed at locations associated with the conspiracy led to the seizure of approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine, 66 grams of fentanyl, 28 grams of cocaine, 4 grams of crack cocaine, a 12-gauge shotgun, and drug paraphernalia.
Beardsley had prior convictions, including a 2007 federal case for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, for which he served nearly five years in prison, and a 2017 New York State conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
Seven individuals were charged and convicted in connection with the case, which was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jamestown Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New York State Police, and the Town of Ellicott Police Department.