Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBANY, NEW YORK – James Alvin Boone, age 29, of Schenectady, New York, was indicted today for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
Boone was previously charged by federal complaint, on March 25, 2024. He has been detained since he made his initial appearance that day before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart.
According to the indictment, on July 28, 2023, Boone possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and also possessed a pistol in furtherance of that crime. The indictment further alleges that Boone conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine from January 14, 2023 through March 25, 2024; possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine on March 25, 2024; and distributed fentanyl on three occasions between December 6, 2023 and February 8, 2024.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the pistol, over $27,000 in U.S. currency, and nearly $40,000 worth of jewelry.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charges filed against Boone carry a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years and a maximum term of life, a fine of up to $10 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The DEA is investigating the case with assistance from the Colonie Police Department, Schenectady Police Department, and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting the case.