Tymell Cooks, Fentanyl Trafficking, New York 2024

ALBANY, NEW YORK – A 36-year-old Albany man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Tymell Cooks admitted that between January and June 2024, he sold approximately 202 grams of fentanyl to another person, both directly and using a co-conspirator. In June 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his Albany residence and located approximately 69 grams of cocaine, a loaded Cobra Firearms Shadow 38 Special revolver, a loaded M&P Shield EZ 2.0 Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, ammunition, $4,850 in cash, and body armor. Cooks admitted that he possessed the firearms to protect his drug supply and proceeds.

“Fentanyl continues to fuel the deadly overdose crisis across our communities. This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to holding accountable those who traffic in this poison and use illegal firearms to protect their criminal enterprises,” Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated.

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “Today’s guilty plea of Tymell Cooks is thanks to the hard work and determination of our DEA special agents and partners in targeting those individuals who pose a danger to our society. New Yorkers deserve safe communities free of drugs and violence, and the DEA is committed to delivering that.”

Tymell Cooks faces a prison term of at least 10 years and up to life; a fine of up to $5 million; and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life. Sentencing is scheduled for January 6, 2026, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the U.S. government’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

Jalon Amari Britt, Drug and Firearm Charges, South Carolina 2022

Dec 20, 2023

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

Nathaniel Lightford, Drug and Gun Supplier, Maryland 2023

Jun 30, 2015

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

Christopher Purvis, Armed Drug Trafficking, Connecticut 2022

Mar 11, 2026

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

Allen Shunte Plowden, Cocaine Distribution & Gun Charges, North Carolina 2022

Jul 19, 2023