Rensselaer Man Charged In Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Saturday, July 12, 2025, 5:15 P.M., ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

ALBANY, NY.- A 30-year-old Rensselaer, New York, man, and an accused cocaine dealer, is facing up to 40 years in federal prison and millions of dollars in fines after being formally charged in a two-count federal indictment for a drug trafficking conspiracy, involving three kilograms of cocaine.

     According to U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone, III, last week, a Federal Grand Jury for the Middle District of New York returned the indictment, charging Angel Madera, 30, of Rensselaer, New York, with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Cocaine.

     Madera made his initial appearance in Federal Court in Albany, New York, and was ordered detained pending trial.

According To The Charging Information Filed In The Indictment

     According to the charging information unsealed in the indictment and filed with the District Court, it is alleged that Madera conspired with another person, David Byrams, to transport cocaine from New York City to the Capital District for further distribution. It is further alleged that on March 11, 2025, three bricks of compressed cocaine, weighing approximately one kilogram each, were seized from Byrams as he and Madera exited a bus together in Schenectady, New York.

     Byrams pleaded guilty earlier this month to possessing the three kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Byrams is currently scheduled to be sentenced in Federal Court in Albany, New York, on September 16, 2025.

     U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone, III, stated, “The defendant is charged with bringing significant quantities of dangerous drugs from New York City to be distributed in the Capital District. Narcotics have been ravaging our society, and here in the Northern District of New York, if you are arrested for distributing narcotics or possessing them with the intent to distribute, regardless of the quantity, you will face the highest possible punishment the law provides.”

Madera If Convicted Faces Up To 40 Years In Federal Prison

     If convicted at trial, Madera faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. At sentencing, upon a finding of guilt, a U.S. District Court Judge would determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Madera’s prior criminal history.

“The rules of the federal court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”