Michael Austin, a 46-year-old resident of Frankfort, New York, has entered a guilty plea to charges of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute and possessing firearms as a felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Austin admitted that between April 2024 and August 2024, he sold approximately 13 ounces of cocaine over seven transactions to one customer. On August 15, 2024, he possessed an additional 78 grams of cocaine at his residence for distribution. Furthermore, on July 26, 2024, Austin illegally sold two handguns from his residence to the same customer. He acknowledged that he was aware of his prior federal conviction in 2010 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base when he committed these offenses.
U.S. Attorney Sarcone remarked on the conviction: “This conviction is a major win for public safety. The defendant was pumping deadly drugs and firearms into our streets which only fuels violence and destroys lives.” He emphasized the determination of law enforcement agencies in addressing such threats.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Miller commented: “The illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons, especially when paired with drug trafficking, is a dangerous combination that fuels violence and puts lives at risk.”
Austin's sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2025. He faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the drug charge and up to 15 years for the firearm offense. Additionally, he could be fined up to $2 million and face supervised release ranging from six years to life.
The case was investigated by ATF with support from DEA, NYSP Special Investigations Unit-Marcy, and the New Hartford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaborative efforts among various stakeholders.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
