Troy Man Pleads Guilty to Intending to Sell Crack Cocaine

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alikubar Shaw, age 33, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to possessing more than 28 grams of crack cocaine with the intent to sell it. 

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II. 

Shaw faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced on December 19, 2016 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. 

As part of his plea, Shaw admitted that on January 7, 2014, he was the passenger in a car that was stopped for a traffic violation in Albany County.  The driver of the car had a suspended license, and New York State Police Troopers smelled burnt marijuana coming from the car.  As Shaw exited the car to speak with one Trooper, the Trooper noticed Shaw touch his rear waist area, and the Trooper then found 263 grams of crack cocaine there.  As part of his plea, Shaw admitted that he intended to sell the crack. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.