Montgomery Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Gun & Drug Crimes
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 11:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
ALBANY, NY.- On Friday, January 17, 2025, Joseph Mitchell, 38, of Nelliston, New York, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York and pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine; and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Convicted Felon.
According to U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and statements made during Friday’s plea allocution, Mitchell admitted to working with another individual to distribute over 350 grams of methamphetamine throughout August 2024 in the Northern District of New York.
During A Search Of Mitchell’s Home Agents Find Firearms
During the ongoing investigation into Mirchell’s drug distribution activities, on September 5, 2024, agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration obtained and executed a court-authorized search warrant at Mitchell’s Nelliston home. During the search, investigators uncovered and seized two rifles and a shotgun. A subsequent records check of Mitchell revealed that he had prior felony convictions.
Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a felony from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. On September 5, 2024, Mitchell knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his prior felony convictions for attempted robbery and narcotics possession.
As part of his plea agreement on Friday, Mitchell agreed to forfeit the two rifles and shotgun seized by federal investigators during the search of his home.
When sentenced, Mitchell faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison, at least five years and up to life of supervised release. At sentencing, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Mitchell’s prior criminal history.
