Buffalo man pleads guilty to his role in narcotics conspiracy

BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ernest Brown, a/k/a Wayne Perry, a/k/a Wayne Brown, 43, Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that during the conspiracy, Brown was a source of supply for Joseph Zaso. Zaso met Brown through co-defendant James Jackson, a middleman for narcotics transactions. Brown met his co-conspirators at various locations in Buffalo, including Zaso’s and Jackson’s residences.  At times, Jackson delivered fentanyl to Zaso on behalf of Brown. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against James Jackson.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF 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, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Enforcement Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.

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