Uqoeon Lawrence, a 29-year-old resident of Syracuse, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentencing follows his admission to selling controlled substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Syracuse area. Lawrence also acknowledged possessing a shotgun to protect his drug business and being prohibited from having firearms due to a prior felony conviction.
Authorities stated that Lawrence illegally received two semi-automatic pistols purchased in Maine, which he later resold to others in Syracuse. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented, “Uqoeon Lawrence peddled toxic drugs in Syracuse, protected his drug business with illegal firearms, and profited by pumping still more illegal guns into our community. Syracuse is safer with Lawrence behind bars, where he will remain for 15 years. My office is committed to bringing dangerous drug dealers like Lawrence to justice.”
Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), said: “This case reflects our unwavering commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the people of Syracuse. When individuals flood our streets with guns and deadly drugs, we respond as one team — focused on safeguarding our communities and holding offenders accountable. I’m grateful for the strong collaboration between ATF New York Syracuse Field Office, DEA, the Syracuse Police Department Intelligence Unit, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.”
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes ordered a five-year term of supervised release following Lawrence’s imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by ATF, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Syracuse Police Department-Intelligence Unit (SPD-INTEL). The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Commandeur and retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime through evidence-based strategies that focus on enforcement against violent offenders while supporting prevention and reentry programs within local communities. More information about PSN can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
