SYRACUSE, NY – Zachary Jackson, 38, of Ithaca, New York, is staring down the barrel of a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to peddling cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm. Jackson pled guilty Tuesday to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. This isn’t some first-time offender; Jackson previously served over a decade in state prison for a felony assault.
According to court documents, Jackson was caught red-handed on November 19, 2024, with a kilogram of cocaine and a Glock handgun – a weapon he readily admitted to carrying for protection during his drug deals. The investigation revealed Jackson wasn’t just a small-time hustler; he was actively distributing poison throughout the Ithaca and Auburn areas, preying on vulnerable users. It’s a familiar story: drugs and guns, a deadly combination that ruins lives and tears apart communities.
“Drug dealers, especially ones with violent criminal histories like this defendant, should know that law enforcement in the Northern District of New York will find them and put them behind bars,” declared Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of local agencies and the DEA, our communities are now safe from this dealer, his drugs, and his gun.” It’s a statement, but will it translate into real, lasting change? We’ll see.
Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New York Division, echoed that sentiment. “Drugs and weapons too often go hand in hand,” Tarentino stated. “Today’s guilty plea from Zachary Jackson serves a clear reminder that justice will be delivered to those who flood our communities with narcotics. The DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners in protecting our communities and enhancing public safety.” Talk is cheap; results are what matter.
Jackson’s sentencing is slated for December 18, 2025, before United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. He’s facing a minimum of 10 years and potentially life in prison, alongside a hefty fine of up to $5,000,000 and a supervised release term of at least four years – potentially for life. The final sentence will be determined by the Judge based on federal guidelines and the specifics of the case. This case was investigated by the DEA, with crucial assistance from the New York State Police, the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force (FLDTF), the Auburn Police Department, the Ithaca Police Department, and multiple County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program designed to reduce violent crime by targeting the most dangerous offenders. PSN isn’t just about arrests; it’s about a comprehensive approach involving prevention and reentry programs. But in the end, it comes down to taking guys like Zachary Jackson off the streets before they can do more damage. You can find more information about PSN at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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