A Jamestown man admitted in federal court to running a drug trafficking operation and forcing multiple women into commercial sex acts.
Zaid Mendoza, also known as “Diamond,” 47, of Jamestown and Falconer, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. to narcotics conspiracy and three counts of sex trafficking by force.
Federal prosecutors said Mendoza managed a drug trafficking organization between 2020 and December 2022. Investigators said he used drug runners, drivers, and associates to sell fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin and collect debts.
Authorities said Mendoza also used his West Main Street residence to manufacture, distribute, and use drugs.
During a traffic stop on Oct. 6, 2022, law enforcement recovered methamphetamine from a driver and about 25 grams of fentanyl from Mendoza.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at Mendoza’s home on Dec. 7, 2022. Authorities said they recovered cash, about 34 grams of fentanyl, roughly 14 grams of methamphetamine, a mixture containing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, a semi-automatic pistol, and a large-capacity magazine.
Prosecutors said Mendoza also exploited several women struggling with drug addiction.
In one case dating back to 2000, a woman believed she would receive heroin or fentanyl from Mendoza in exchange for sex. She had sex with him on three occasions for drugs.
In 2022, another woman met Mendoza at a Jamestown drug house and later met him at a motel. She understood she would engage in sexual activity with him in exchange for drugs, which occurred multiple times.
Between October and December 2022, prosecutors said Mendoza and co-defendants forced two other women to engage in commercial sex acts. The women were provided shelter, food, clothing, and daily fentanyl at Mendoza’s residence in exchange for sex acts with customers, with the proceeds going to Mendoza.
Investigators said the group used the website Skipthegames.com to find customers.
Co-defendant Kelvin Thomas still faces charges. Another defendant, Cora Waddington, has already been convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
Mendoza faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 9.
The case was investigated by the Jamestown Police Department Metro Drug Task Force, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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