Alexis Miranda, a 30-year-old resident of Syracuse, New York, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for offenses involving firearms and drugs. The sentencing took place on Thursday after Miranda admitted to possessing defaced firearms and conspiring to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
Authorities said that between August and October 2019, Miranda worked with Christopher Montano to distribute illegal drugs including heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. On September 12, 2019, she traveled from the Rome area to meet Montano where they distributed more than 80 grams of methamphetamine to another individual. In August 2020, Miranda was stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation on Interstate 90 in Rensselaer County. Officers found heroin and fentanyl in her purse as well as four semiautomatic pistols with defaced serial numbers in her trunk.
Christopher Montano received a sentence of over six years in prison last year for selling unregistered firearms and drug trafficking crimes.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented: “Alexis Miranda was engaged in trafficking deadly substances and weapons, each of which contribute to drug addiction and gun violence in the community. We will relentlessly pursue and prosecute individuals like her to get rid of deadly firearms and drugs from our streets.”
Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), stated: “Those who traffic in illegal firearms and deadly drugs will be held accountable. These defaced and stolen weapons pose a serious threat to our communities, and we remain committed to working with our federal and local partners to disrupt this kind of dangerous criminal activity.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added: “Strong partnerships are crucial for intercepting the illegal drugs and weapons that sustain a cycle of violence and threaten the quality of life in our communities. The collaborative multi-agency efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office, ATF, and New York State Police has resulted in the sentencing of Mr. Miranda and has eradicated an unprincipled gun and drug trafficking operation. We will continue to make it a priority to find those who commit these acts and dismantle the dangerous chain of activities they perpetuate.”
Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Miranda to serve five years under post-release supervision following her prison term.
The case was investigated by the ATF along with the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is highlighted as an evidence-based initiative focused on reducing violent crime by coordinating efforts among various stakeholders. More information about PSN can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
