An Albany man has entered a guilty plea on charges of drug distribution and firearm offenses, as per the announcement from the office of Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. Tymell Cooks, age 36, admitted to his involvement in a 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. The details of this case have been shed light by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York in a recent press release.
During his plea, Cooks acknowledged that he engaged in the sale of roughly 202 grams of fentanyl from January to June 2024, transactions facilitated not only directly but also via a co-conspirator. Law enforcement's search of his residence in June 2024 resulted in the seizure of around 69 grams of cocaine, two loaded firearms, ammunition, cash tallying $4,850, and body armor. In a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Cooks confessed that the weapons were meant to protect his narcotics and the proceeds derived from their sale.
Acting United States Attorney Sarcone highlighted the gravity of the opioid crisis, exacerbated by substances like fentanyl saying, "Fentanyl continues to fuel the deadly overdose crisis across our communities." He expressed firm resolve to hold those involved in such illegal trades accountable. Additionally, DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III praised the diligence of the DEA agents and their commitment to maintaining communities free from the harm of drugs and violence, echoing the sentiment for a safer environment for New Yorkers.
Scheduled for sentencing on January 6, 2026, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Cooks is facing a minimum of 10 years and up to, a life sentence, a possible fine of up to $5 million, and a period of supervised release that could also extend from 4 years to a lifetime. The severity of these potential sentences reflects the specific statutes Cooks has been convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and various factors that the court will consider.
The case was investigated by the DEA and prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda. In addition, the case ties into the larger initiative of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is a cornerstone of the Department of Justice's efforts to curtail violent crime.
