UTICA, NEW YORK – In a shocking turn of events, James Hamilton, a 42-year-old Central Square, New York resident, has been sentenced to 72 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine, possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possessing multiple firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking offenses.
According to officials, Hamilton’s crimes date back to early 2021 until March 2022, during which he acquired over four kilograms of powder cocaine that he either sold or possessed with the intent to sell. Furthermore, he admitted to unlawfully possessing nine firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle, for the purpose of protecting his drug supply and drug proceeds.
Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release to begin after Hamilton is released from prison. This harsh sentence serves as a warning to those involved in the illicit drug trade.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III expressed his disappointment with Hamilton’s actions, stating, ‘Cocaine is a dangerous and addictive drug, and James Hamilton distributed large quantities of it into his community for profit. He also possessed firearms in connection with his drug dealing that could have injured or killed other people.’
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III echoed Sarcone’s sentiments, emphasizing the risks associated with drug and gun trafficking. ‘The trafficking of illicit drugs and guns often results in acts of violence that endangers entire cities,’ he noted. ‘The DEA remains committed to working with our partners to eliminate these criminal networks and protect the public from all harm in their communities.’
The case was investigated by DEA, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe prosecuted this case.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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