Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joseph Mitchell, age 38, of Nelliston, New York, was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division, made the announcement.
United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Montgomery County will be safer with this defendant off the streets. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute drug dealers and felons who possess firearms.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “As we often see, drugs and weapons go hand in hand. Today’s sentencing is a reminder that justice will be delivered to those who push illicit narcotics into our communities. The DEA remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners in protecting our communities and enhancing public safety.”
Mitchell admitted to working with another person to distribute more than 350 grams of methamphetamine throughout August 2024. A search warrant executed at Mitchell’s home on September 5, 2024, led to the recovery of two rifles and one shotgun. As a result of his prior felony convictions for attempted robbery and narcotics possession, Mitchell could not lawfully possess firearms.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Mitchell to serve 5 years of supervised release and to forfeit the seized firearms.
The DEA investigated the case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted the case.