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Press Release

California Man Pleads Guilty For His Role In Cross Country Methamphetamine Ring

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York

CONTACT:  Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX #:            (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Thomas Williams, 57, of California City, California, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson to narcotics conspiracy and distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The charges carry mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $20,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that between January 2017 and June 27, 2017, the defendant conspired with Julie Cota, and others to distribute methamphetamine. Williams worked with Cota to ship crystal methamphetamine from California to co-conspirators in Dansville, NY. The defendants sent crystal methamphetamine via a shipping company in exchange for money. Williams and Cota sold the crystal methamphetamine for $1,000 an ounce to a co-defendant in Dansville who then distributed the crystal methamphetamine to customers in the Western District of New York.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas Dougherty; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Richard Allen.  

Sentencing is scheduled for October 17, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.

Updated July 17, 2018