U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman | U.S. Department of Justice
Joseph Thompson, a 38-year-old resident of Hogansburg, New York, received a sentence of 66 months in federal prison. This sentencing, which took place on December 19, 2024, was for his involvement in possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman alongside Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York Field Division.
In his guilty plea, Thompson acknowledged that in June 2023 he had organized a meeting with another individual at a parking lot in Massena, NY. The purpose was to exchange marijuana for firearms. During this transaction, Thompson handed over approximately 18 pounds of marijuana in return for seven semiautomatic pistols and ammunition magazines. He was arrested immediately following the exchange.
In addition to his prison term, Thompson is required to serve three years of supervised release once he completes his time behind bars.
The ATF led the investigation into this case with support from several agencies including Quebec Provincial Police, St. Regis Tribal Police, New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Massena Police Department, and U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie handled the prosecution.
