Ithaca Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearms Offenses

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Zachary Jackson, age 38, of Ithaca, New York, pled guilty on Tuesday to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

Jackson admitted that on November 19, 2024, he possessed a kilogram of cocaine and a Glock handgun he used to protect himself during the course of his drug sales.  Law enforcement investigation revealed that Jackson sold cocaine to drug users in the Ithaca and Auburn, New York, areas.  Jackson could not legally possess a firearm, as he had been previously convicted of a New York State felony assault for which he served over 10 years in prison.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “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.”

Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, stated: “Drugs and weapons too often go hand in hand. Today’s guilty plea from Zachary Jackson serves a clear reminder that justice will be delivered to those who flood our communities with narcotics. The DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners in protecting our communities and enhancing public safety.”

Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2025, before United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes.  At sentencing, Jackson faces a prison term of at least 10 years and up to life; a fine of up to $5,000,000; and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

DEA is investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Police; the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force (FLDTF); the Auburn Police Department; the Ithaca Police Department; and the Onondaga, Cayuga, and Tompkins County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.