SYRACUSE, NY – Dionel Hall, a 43-year-old resident of Liverpool, New York, is headed to federal prison for nearly seven years, the result of a drug and gun operation that landed him in the crosshairs of multiple law enforcement agencies. Hall received an 84-month sentence Friday, a harsh penalty for his convictions on charges of possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possessing a firearm during drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The bust originated with a February 7, 2021 investigation that revealed Hall was moving serious weight – 995.6 grams of eutylone, commonly known as “molly” – with the intent to distribute it throughout Oneida County and beyond. This wasn’t a small-time operation; authorities say Hall was actively building a customer base. But the drugs weren’t the whole story. Just months later, on September 9, 2021, a search uncovered a loaded semiautomatic pistol, a cache of roughly 140 rounds of ammunition, and a staggering $45,094 in cash – all proceeds from his illegal drug sales.
Hall’s history is a significant factor in the severity of the sentence. The feds weren’t dealing with a first-time offender. Court records show Hall was already a convicted felon, having served an 18-year stretch in Monroe County Court following a first-degree robbery conviction back in 2003. He was also on parole at the time of the 2021 offenses, adding another layer of legal trouble. Knowing he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior record didn’t deter him.
U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd didn’t show leniency. Beyond the 84-month imprisonment, Hall will face a 3-year term of supervised release upon his eventual release. The firearm and ammunition seized during the raid will be forfeited to the government, and Hall has already agreed to forfeit the $45,094 in drug money. This isn’t just about taking a gun off the street; it’s about hitting Hall where it hurts – in his wallet.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New York State Police, with crucial assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Utica Police Department. Federal prosecutor Matthew J. McCrobie secured the conviction and the lengthy sentence, signaling a commitment to cracking down on drug and gun trafficking in the Northern District of New York.
U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New York Division, and Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli of the New York State Police all issued statements confirming the sentencing. While the agencies celebrate the conviction, the case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent flow of drugs and illegal firearms impacting communities throughout the state and the ongoing need for coordinated law enforcement efforts to combat it.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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