Zachary Jackson, 38, from Ithaca, New York, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for drug and firearms offenses. The sentencing took place on January 16, 2026. Jackson pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court records, Jackson admitted that on November 19, 2024, he had one kilogram of cocaine and a Glock handgun. He used the firearm to protect himself while distributing drugs in the Ithaca and Auburn areas. Because of a previous felony conviction for assault with intent to cause serious physical injury with a weapon—an offense for which he served over ten years—Jackson was not allowed to possess firearms.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Drug dealers, especially ones with violent criminal histories like this defendant, should know that law enforcement in the Northern District of New York will find them and put them behind bars. Thanks to the investigative efforts of local agencies and the DEA, our communities are now safe from this dealer, his drugs, and his gun.”
DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam stated: “Once again, DEA’s New York Enforcement Division and our partners removed a repeat drug trafficker who relied on violence to fuel his criminal enterprise. The sentencing of Zachary Jackson sends a clear message to those who look to poison our communities; that the DEA will target you and bring you to justice! We are committed to preserving public safety and remain focused on keeping our neighborhoods safe.”
Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered an eight-year term of supervised release following Jackson's prison sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA with help from the FBI; New York State Police; Finger Lakes Drug Task Force; Auburn Police Department; Ithaca Police Department; and district attorney’s offices from Onondaga, Cayuga, and Tompkins counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), led by the Department of Justice as part of its strategy against violent crime reduction across various communities nationwide https://www.justice.gov/psn, targets offenders considered most violent while working with prevention programs for long-term solutions.
