Leshawn Thomas, a 34-year-old resident of Clayville, New York, received a sentence of 120 months in federal prison for drug and firearm offenses. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
Thomas, who had two prior felony convictions, acknowledged possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 3.01 kilograms of cocaine and 268.14 grams of cocaine base in Oneida County, New York, around April 28, 2023. Additionally, he admitted to having two loaded semi-automatic pistols.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes ordered Thomas to serve an eight-year supervised release following his prison term and required the forfeiture of the semi-automatic pistols.
The DEA investigated the case with support from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NY DOCCS-Parole). Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey was responsible for the prosecution.
This case ties into Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s initiative to reduce violent crime. PSN uses an evidence-based approach that involves community stakeholders collaborating to address violent crime issues effectively. The program aims to focus enforcement on violent offenders and work with local prevention and reentry programs for long-term crime reduction. More information about PSN is available at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
