Albany man pleads guilty to drug trafficking, gun possession

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Brandon Bartley, a 26-year-old Albany resident, pleaded guilty to significant drug and firearms offenses, according to announcements from U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and top law enforcement officials. enforcement of federal laws. Bartley admitted to trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, in addition to possessing an arsenal of more than 30 firearms.

His guilty plea includes charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as possession of firearms in connection with trafficking crimes drug. The operation was carried out from his Western Avenue apartment, where a law enforcement raid on May 23, 2023 uncovered 34 firearms, including a loaded Glock placed on his bed to protect his narcotics and profits . Authorities also seized more than 400 grams of fentanyl pills, more than 7,000 grams of methamphetamine pills and more than 700 grams of cocaine during the search.

Bartley's sentencing is scheduled for September 12, 2024, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. He faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, up to life in prison, with potential fines of up to $10 million, and supervised release of at least five years to life after his incarceration.

This case is part of a larger investigation in which other defendants have been indicted, including Anthony Luizzi, who also pleaded guilty to drug and gun crimes and is awaiting sentencing. Other defendants, such as Jabree Jones and Devon Newsome, face various charges related to this massive federal operation.