James Alvin Boone, II, a 30-year-old resident of Schenectady, New York, has entered a guilty plea for charges related to drug distribution and firearm possession. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman alongside Frank A. Tarentino, III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
Boone confessed to conspiring with another individual to distribute fentanyl and cocaine across the Capital Region. He admitted to instructing his co-conspirator to store over 25,000 fentanyl pills weighing more than three kilograms, along with two handguns, ammunition, and several hundred grams of cocaine in a storage unit and at her residence. Boone also acknowledged distributing fentanyl himself and directing his associate to do likewise. Prior to this conspiracy, he possessed over 1.4 kilograms of cocaine and a pistol in a safe at his home on July 28, 2023. These narcotics and firearms were seized by law enforcement during their investigation. Furthermore, Boone admitted that following his arrest, he directed another person to dispose of additional fentanyl pills.
Boone is facing a minimum sentence of 15 years up to life imprisonment and a supervised release term ranging from five years to life post-imprisonment. His sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2025, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Sentencing will be determined based on specific statutes violated by the defendant as well as the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
The DEA led the investigation with support from the Colonie Police Department, Schenectady Police Department, and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is handling the prosecution.
