Troy Felon Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Sales and Gun Possession

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jashene Austin, a 29-year-old resident of Troy, New York, has been hit with serious charges after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl and the illegal possession of a firearm. This development comes as law enforcement continues its relentless battle against drug trafficking and weapons violations.

Austin’s admission that he sold 50 grams of fentanyl and a semi-automatic pistol on August 11, 2023, has landed him in hot water. His prior felony conviction for attempted burglary disqualified him from legally owning the firearm.

United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the ATF, were quick to announce the charges. Austin faces a daunting sentence, with a minimum term of 5 years and up to 40 years behind bars on the table. A fine of up to $5 million and a supervised release term ranging from 4 years to life await him when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on October 22, 2024.

Judge D’Agostino will consider various factors in determining Austin’s sentence, including the specific statute violated and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The ATF played a pivotal role in this case, with significant assistance from the Troy Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon is handling the prosecution of this case. It is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime by focusing on the most violent offenders and collaborating with local programs to tackle crime comprehensively.

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