SYRACUSE, N.Y. – James Mack, a 40-year-old Syracuse resident, is headed to federal prison for 15 years after a jury convicted him of trafficking cocaine and possessing a firearm while doing so. The sentence, handed down today, reflects the severity of his crimes and his continued disregard for the law, even while under federal supervision.
The bust went down February 12, 2020, when Syracuse Police detectives discovered a cleverly concealed compartment—a “trap,” as they’re known on the street—within Mack’s Honda Accord. It wasn’t spare tires they found, but over 400 grams of cocaine, more than 100 grams of crack cocaine, and a loaded .38 caliber revolver. The vehicle served as a mobile stash house for Mack’s operation, a testament to his brazenness.
Federal prosecutors detailed at trial how Mack continued to push narcotics despite already being on federal supervision stemming from a prior conviction for, ironically, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. This wasn’t a first offense; it was a repeat performance by a man seemingly determined to return to a life of crime.
U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman, speaking through a press release, emphasized the collaborative effort that brought Mack down. The Syracuse Police Department’s Special Investigations Division (SID), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) all played a crucial role in the investigation. ATF Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito and DEA SAC Frank A. Tarentino, III, were also named in the announcement.
The 15-year sentence isn’t the end of Mack’s legal troubles. He also received an eight-year term of supervised release following his prison stay, and a concurrent sentence for violating the terms of his previous federal supervision. The courts are clearly sending a message: repeat offenders will face escalating consequences.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian LaRochelle and Jessica Carbone prosecuted the case, ensuring that Mack faced justice for his actions. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case, and others like it, as federal agencies work to dismantle drug trafficking operations and remove dangerous criminals from the streets of Syracuse and beyond.
Related Federal Cases
- US Justice Department, Drug and Arms Trafficking, Washington D.C., … · New York
- Khyle Williams Faces 176 Gun Trafficking Charges, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- James Fights to Uphold Gun Shipping Ban Amidst DOJ Retreat · New York
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Administration Fraud and Tax Evasi… · Ohio
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Disability Benefits Fraud, New Roc… · Oregon
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News