Angel Madera, a 30-year-old resident of Rensselaer, New York, has been indicted on charges related to drug trafficking. The indictment accuses Madera of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. This announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the FBI.
The charges against Madera could result in a mandatory prison sentence ranging from 5 to 40 years, a fine up to $5 million, and supervised release for at least four years or potentially life. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on various legal guidelines.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented: “The defendant is charged with bringing significant quantities of dangerous drugs from New York City to be distributed in the Capital District. Narcotics have been ravaging our society and here in the Northern District of New York, if you are arrested for distributing narcotics or possessing them with the intent to distribute, regardless of the quantity, you will face the highest possible punishment the law provides.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: "As alleged, Mr. Madera trafficked dangerous drugs into the Capital Region with the intention of selling them in our communities. The FBI will continue to do everything we can to stop the sale of illicit narcotics in our streets and keep our communities safe.”
According to the indictment, Madera conspired with Daval Byrams to transport cocaine from New York City for distribution in the Capital District. On March 11, 2025, authorities recovered three kilograms of cocaine from Byrams as he and Madera exited a bus together in Schenectady. Byrams has pled guilty earlier this month and is scheduled for sentencing on September 16, 2025.
It is important to note that these charges are accusations at this stage; Madera is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner.
