ALBANY, NY — A 64-year-old Gloversville man was sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to trafficking over 500 grams of pure methamphetamine as part of a Capital District drug ring operating out of Albany.
Todd Austin admitted to obtaining large quantities of meth from an Albany supplier between March and July of last year, distributing the drugs from his home in Gloversville. He was sentenced Friday to 78 months behind bars by U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, who also ordered a three-year term of supervised release to follow his prison time.
Austin is one of nine defendants charged in the broader federal investigation targeting the regional methamphetamine supply chain. Several of his co-defendants have already received prison terms, while others await sentencing.
According to prosecutors, the drug trafficking operation relied in part on the U.S. mail system to move methamphetamine throughout the Capital Region. The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
Andrew Deleon, another key defendant, received 72 months in prison. Stefanie Plass was sentenced to 24 months, and Ahmad Burke received 14 months. Three other co-conspirators — Keisha Duboise, Flor Arencibia, and Melissa Karwan — are scheduled to be sentenced between September and December.
Law enforcement officials said the case reflects the growing presence of methamphetamine in Upstate New York communities and the ongoing efforts to dismantle networks distributing the drug.
Austin’s conviction stemmed from a guilty plea to one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence under federal law.
––
Key Points
- Todd Austin of Gloversville sentenced to 78 months for meth trafficking tied to Albany supplier
- Eight others charged in federal investigation targeting Capital District drug network
- Officials say meth was distributed through the mail and sold from residences across Upstate NY
Capital Region meth trafficker sentenced to more than six years in prison in sweeping federal case
