Jamestown woman pleads guilty to drug and gun charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alisha Klinger, 45, Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carry The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 17 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that Klinger conspired with co-defendant Jacob Snow and others to sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the Jamestown area. Conspiracy members utilized acts of violence to collect alleged drug debts. On December 24, 2020, Klinger and an individual identified as D.R. went to the residence of Holly Berenguer, associate of Klinger to collect on an alleged debt. D.R. struck Berenguer in the face with a handgun, causing a facial fracture, orbital fracture, and multiple contusions. The handgun discharged, but the bullet did not strike Berenguer.  On January 2, 2021, a vehicle Klinger and Snow were riding in was stopped by Jamestown Police. A search of the vehicle recovered $8,648, a blue crystal-like substance, and cell phones. A search of Klinger’s person recovered approximately 41 grams of fentanyl. On May 24, 2021, Klinger participated in the robbery of Victim 1.  Klinger and D.R. took Victim 1 from a residence at gunpoint and drove to a wooded area in Jamestown, where they were joined by co-defendant Snow. Victim 1 was assaulted in retaliation for stealing approximately $10,000 of heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine from Snow. Victim 1 was made to take off her clothes and walk back to town.

On June 24, 2021, a search warrant was executed at Klinger’s residence, during which methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and $29,316 in cash was recovered. On November 19, 2021, Klinger and two others, brandishing weapons, robbed Victim 2, who owed Klinger money for drugs. Victim 2 was hit in the face with a gun and zip tied.

Jacob Snow was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal bureau of Investigation.

This indictment is a 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 Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 26, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.   

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