ALBANY, NY – Frankie Rios, 42, of Troy, New York, is looking at a lengthy federal stretch after admitting to a double-dip in criminal activity: illegally possessing a firearm despite a prior conviction, and peddling cocaine and crack cocaine on the streets of Troy. The guilty plea, entered today, brings a step closer to accountability for a man with a clear disregard for the law.
According to court documents, Rios was found packing a .25 caliber Mauser handgun, loaded with six rounds, back on March 30, 2019. Troy Police Officers discovered the weapon while responding to a stabbing at a 4th Street bar – a scene already thick with violence. As a convicted felon, Rios was legally barred from owning any firearm. That wasn’t the end of his offenses, however.
Just under two years later, on February 17, 2021, law enforcement caught Rios with over 100 grams of a potent mix of cocaine and crack cocaine. The evidence points to Rios not simply using the drugs, but actively intending to distribute them, fueling the addiction crisis gripping communities like Troy.
The case was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Troy Police Department, highlighting the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling violent crime and drug trafficking. Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito of the ATF’s New York Field Division oversaw the investigation.
Rios now faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, along with a fine of up to $1 million. If convicted, he’ll also be subject to at least three years of supervised release after serving his time. U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino will hand down the sentence on May 11, 2023, taking into account sentencing guidelines and other relevant factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case, seeking to ensure that Rios pays the price for his crimes. This plea serves as a warning: those who choose to arm themselves illegally and profit from the misery of others will face the full force of federal law.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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