An Albany man, Henassy McConico, has entered a guilty plea for his involvement in distributing fentanyl and illegal possession of a firearm. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, with DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, announced the 27-year-old’s admission to the distribution of a substantial number of fentanyl pills and the prohibited possession of a gun in his residence. McConico's sentence is set to be determined on July 23, and he potentially could face a minimum of 10 years to a maximum life sentence, in addition to a hefty fine, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to the criminal details presented, McConico was actively involved in the fentanyl trade through 2024, with a specific instance on October 15 where he handed out approximately 485 fentanyl pills. Due to a prior attempted robbery conviction, the law barred him from having a firearm, yet he admitted to possessing a loaded handgun along with ammunition at his home. The official announcement detailed the collaborative investigation efforts from the DEA, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hudson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is leading the prosecution in this case.
Mandatory minimum sentencing rules mean McConico is looking at least 10 years behind bars and could potentially spend the remainder of his life in prison. The judge will take into account a variety of factors, including relevant statutes and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Upon release, the defendant will also be subjected to at least 8 years of supervised release, which could extend up to a lifetime of supervision.
