Rensselaer County Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Drug and Firearm Convictions

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Justin Micheli, age 35, of Schodack, New York, was sentenced today to 130 months in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon, and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarantino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.

As part of his guilty plea, Micheli admitted that on March 16, 2021, he possessed more than 700 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute it and possessed a loaded semi-automatic pistol made from component parts without a serial number, also known as a “ghost gun,” to protect his drugs and drug proceeds. Micheli also admitted to possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Micheli had three prior felony convictions for drug offenses.

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Micheli to serve a 4-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release.

This case was investigated by the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping. The case was prosecuted to indictment by Assistant United States Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.