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Jamestown drug leader pleads guilty to selling cocaine

The leader of a Jamestown drug organization has pleaded guilty to selling cocaine, after two of his business associates were convicted.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said Sigfredo Martinez, 47, of Celeron pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $10 million fine.

Authorities said beginning in early 2016, Martinez led a heroin and cocaine ring in the Jamestown area. Every few days, he would distribute hundreds of bundles of heroin to associates for sale.

On April 6, 2017, two search warrants were executed on Jamestown homes: 32 E. Duquesne St. and 385 Buffalo St. and confiscated a variety of evidence.

The FBI's Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Records Unit performed an analysis of ledgers and other evidence found and determined that in 2016 and 2017, Martinez's business distributed a minimum total of 8,100 bundles of heroin to 28 separate accounts for a minimum total of $83,150. 8,000 bundles is about eight kilograms of heroin.

Two business associates of Martinez have already been convicted. Bryan Ferrer-Vazquez is awaiting sentencing, while Alex Mercado was sentenced to 120 months in prison. Sentencing for Martinez is scheduled for November.