Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Plague Colonie, New York
ALBANY, NEW YORK – A recent surge in fentanyl and cocaine trafficking has reached a boiling point in Colonie, New York, as Benz Coleman, a 33-year-old resident of the city, pled guilty to one count of possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
Coleman’s guilty plea comes after a thorough investigation by the DEA and the Colonie Police Department, which revealed that the defendant possessed over 3,000 fentanyl pills and more than 13 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute the drugs on January 31, 2024.
The investigation also uncovered that Coleman sold another individual over 2,400 fentanyl pills between November 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024. Coleman’s actions have put the lives of countless individuals at risk, and his guilty plea is a significant step towards holding him accountable for his crimes.
At sentencing on February 12, 2025, before Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn, Coleman faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison. The judge will also impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 4 years and up to life. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by the particular statute he is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The DEA and the Colonie Police Department are to be commended for their tireless efforts in investigating and bringing Coleman to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss is prosecuting the case, and his dedication to ensuring that those who engage in illicit activities are held accountable is to be commended.
Benz Coleman’s guilty plea serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and cocaine trafficking. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial that law enforcement agencies and community leaders come together to address the root causes of this issue and work towards a safer future for all residents of Colonie and beyond.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Benz Coleman
Criminal Charges: Possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine
City and State: Colonie, New York
Exact Date: January 31, 2024
Sentence or Outcome: Minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, with a term of post-release supervision of at least 4 years and up to life
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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