In a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Upstate New York, Todd Austin, a 64-year-old Gloversville resident, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison after admitting to distributing more than 500 grams of pure methamphetamine. The announcement came from Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, along with representatives from the DEA and USPIS, highlighting a collective effort to address the meth epidemic in the region.
Austin, having pled guilty, acknowledged that he received meth from an Albany supplier between March and July 2023, which he subsequently sold from his home. According to a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also assigned a 3-year term of supervised release that is set to commence following Austin's release from prison.
Joining Austin in guilty pleas were several co-defendants. Andrew Deleon received a 72-month sentence followed by three years of supervised release, Stefanie Plass was sentenced to 24 months, and Ahmad Burke was given 14 months, both also with subsequent 3-year supervised release terms. Upcoming sentencings are on the books for Keisha Duboise, Flor Arencibia, and Melissa Karwan later this year. DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated, "Methamphetamine has a devastating impact on communities across our region." He emphasized the DEA's commitment to combating the spread of the drug, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Key figures fighting the drug crisis have made their stances clear. Acting United States Attorney Sarcone warned that anyone involved in meth distribution should anticipate federal prison charges, echoing a united front against these narcotics. USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward said, "This sentence not only holds Mr. Austin accountable for his crimes," who also underscored the seriousness with which authorities view the use of the postal system for drug trafficking. Investigations continue for two remaining defendants, Felix Arencibia and Christian Mur-Santana, who are currently presumed innocent unless proven guilty, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The case is a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative, aiming to disrupt high-level criminal organizations with a multi-agency strategy. Assistant United States Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting, reflecting ongoing efforts to tackle organized drug activity that threatens the community's well-being.
