MAN FOUND NOT GUILTY IN POSSESSION, SALE OF DRUGS

LOCKPORT -- A County Court jury deliberated about 3 1/2 hours Wednesday
before acquitting James W. Jones on drug-dealing charges.

Jones, 38, of 10th Street, Niagara Falls, was found not guilty of
third-degree criminal sale and seventh-degree criminal possession of a
controlled substance. The verdict by the panel of seven men and five women
came on the third day of the trial before County Judge Peter L. Broderick Sr.

Jones was accused of selling cocaine to undercover police in Niagara Falls
on Sept. 13. Three officers testified that they witnessed the deal, while
Jones' attorney, Thomas M. DiMillo, argued that Jones was misidentified.

"My client and I were thrilled that the jury was able to reach the right
verdict," DiMillo said.

Assistant District Attorney Marie P. Grisanti declined to comment. Had he
been convicted, Jones would have faced up to 25 years to life in prison as
a persistent felon, according to DiMillo.