SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – In a hard-hitting blow to the streets of Herkimer County, Michael Austin, 46, from Frankfort, pleaded guilty last week to serious charges of possessing and intending to distribute cocaine, as well as possession of firearms by a felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the ATF.
Austin, who admitted selling 13 ounces of cocaine over seven transactions between April and August 2024, also confessed to having an additional 78 grams of cocaine at his residence on August 15, 2024. His criminal spree didn’t end there; he sold two handguns, knowing full well that his possession was illegal due to a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base in 2010.
“This conviction is a major win for public safety,” U.S. Attorney Sarcone declared. “The defendant was pumping deadly drugs and firearms into our streets, fueling violence and destroying lives. Thanks to the relentless work of our law enforcement partners, we’ve shut down a serious threat to our community.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Miller echoed these sentiments: “The illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons, especially when paired with drug trafficking, is a dangerous combination that fuels violence and puts lives at risk. We’re proud of ATF in Syracuse, NY, and the collaborative efforts with our partners.”
Austin’s sentencing is currently scheduled for October 15, 2025, where he faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the drug charge, 15 years for the firearm offense, a fine of up to $2 million, and at least 6 years and up to life in supervised release.
The ATF investigated this case with assistance from DEA, NYSP Special Investigations Unit-Marcy, and the New Hartford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a DOJ initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through comprehensive solutions.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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