Two Jamestown Men Arrested On Drug And Gun Charges

CONTACT:  Barbara Burns
PHONE:      (716) 843-5817
FAX #:         (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Tyler Craig Anderson, 27, and Robert Lincoln, 26, both of Jamestown, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to make false statements to purchase firearms, which carries a mandatory penalty of five years in prison. In addition, Anderson is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes which are punishable by a mandatory minimum five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the Ellicott Police Department received complaints from area residents regarding suspected drug dealing at Anderson’s residence. According to residents, there were frequent and short visits by a number of people driving a variety of vehicles. As a result, law enforcement officers conducted controlled purchases of cocaine from Anderson at his residence on Willard Street Extension. Law enforcement officers learned during those controlled drug sales that Anderson had a number of firearms at his residence.

On March 9, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Anderson’s residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, 14 firearms, and ammunition. The defendant was taken into custody at the scene. 

Subsequent investigation determined that at least three of the firearms were purchased by defendant Lincoln at a sporting goods store in Russell, Pennsylvania. According to the complaint, Lincoln completed the required federal forms stating that he was the purchaser of the firearms, but shortly thereafter, he turned the firearms over to Anderson. 

Law enforcement officers reviewed a Facebook page believed to be operated by defendant Anderson. One post read, "I gotta bout 30 guns and I love em all the same bang bang 'merica." Another Facebook user commented, "And get them all taken the same when they say you can't have them anymore." Anderson responded, "They' re gonna have to kill me mane [sic]."

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin P. Lyons, the  Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William L. Ohnmeiss, Jr.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.