3 charged with drug and sex trafficking conspiracy in Jamestown

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini

March 28, 2024 at 1:19 PM·1 min read

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A trio of Jamestown residents were arrested in connection with alleged sex trafficking and a narcotics conspiracy, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday

Officials said 45-year-old Zaid Mendoza, 24-year-old Cora Waddington and 41-year-old Kevin O. Thomas allegedly used a residence on West Main Street in Ellicott, N.Y. to conspire to sell fentanyl and methamphetamine. The three also allegedly conspired to force individuals to engage in commercial sex acts between October and December of 2022, according to officials.

All three were charged with sex trafficking by force and coercion, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force and coercion, narcotics conspiracy and using and maintaining a drug-involved premises.

Mendoza is individually charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, while Mendoza and Waddington are charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

If convicted, Mendoza, Waddington and Thomas will face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

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