Tymell Cooks, a 36-year-old resident of Albany, pleaded guilty to charges related to drug distribution and firearms offenses. According to federal prosecutors, Cooks admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Between January and June 2024, Cooks sold about 202 grams of fentanyl through direct sales and with the help of a co-conspirator. In June 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in Albany. Authorities found approximately 69 grams of cocaine, two loaded handguns—a Cobra Firearms Shadow 38 Special revolver and an M&P Shield EZ 2.0 Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol—ammunition, $4,850 in cash, and body armor. Cooks acknowledged that he possessed the firearms for the purpose of protecting his drug supply and proceeds.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented on the case: “Fentanyl continues to fuel the deadly overdose crisis across our communities. This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to holding accountable those who traffic in this poison and use illegal firearms to protect their criminal enterprises. We thank the DEA and our law enforcement partners for their continued efforts to dismantle these dangerous networks.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III added: “Today’s guilty plea of Tymell Cooks is thanks to the hard work and determination of our DEA special agents and partners in targeting those individuals who pose a danger to our society. New Yorkers deserve safe communities free of drugs and violence, and the DEA is committed to delivering that.”
Sentencing is set for January 6, 2026 before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Cooks faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, as well as up to $5 million in fines and at least four years up to life on supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), described by officials as an evidence-based program aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration among various stakeholders—including law enforcement agencies—was referenced as part of ongoing efforts against violent offenders like Cooks. More information about PSN can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
