Sean Christianson, 45, of Manhattan, New York, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. According to federal authorities, Christianson traveled from the New York City area to Liverpool, New York, on February 25, 2025, transporting twenty-two one-kilogram bricks of cocaine in his vehicle. Law enforcement apprehended him upon his arrival in Liverpool. Authorities reported that Christianson planned to sell the drugs in the Syracuse area.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Thanks to the investigative efforts of the DEA and our other law enforcement partners, another drug dealer and a huge quantity of narcotics are off the streets. Drug dealers will not get away with selling narcotics in the Northern District of New York.”
DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino added: “Illicit drugs have no place in our communities. DEA New York remains steadfast in our commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to target those who poison our neighborhoods with dangerous narcotics.”
At sentencing, Christianson faces a mandatory minimum prison term of ten years and up to life imprisonment, as well as at least four years and up to life on supervised release. The actual sentence will be determined by a judge considering relevant statutes and federal guidelines.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA with support from the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, Syracuse Police Department, and City of New York Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case.
