Oneida County Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug & Firearms Offenses

Tuesday, December 24, 2024, 7:45 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

ALBANY, NY.- On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Leshawn Thomas, 33, of Clayville, New York, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York and pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brenda K. Sannes to federal drug and firearms charges.

     During Thursday’s hearing, Thomas entered guilty pleas to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine; and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Thomas Pleads Guilty

     According to U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and documents filed with the District Court, Thomas, who has two prior felony convictions, admitted on Thursday to possessing with the intent to distribute approximately three kilograms of cocaine and 268.14 grams of crack cocaine in Oneida County, within the Northern District of New York, around April 28, 2023.

     Thomas further admitted to possessing two loaded 9mm semi-automatic handguns while being a prohibited person. Federal law prohibits a person previously convicted of a felony from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

     After entering his guilty pleas, Judge Sannes accepted the plea agreement and scheduled sentencing for April 4, 2025, at which time Thomas faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to life in federal prison at least five years of supervised release. At sentencing, Judge Sannes will determine the actual term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Thomas’ prior criminal history.

     U.S. Attorney Freedman commended the investigative work of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for investigating and successfully prosecuting Thomas.