Central New York woman sentenced for role in drug trafficking ring

Clay, NY – A 39-year-old central New York woman was sentenced Thursday to six years in federal prison for participating in a drug trafficking ring centered in Onondaga County.

Lauren Roosa, of Clay, previously admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine from California to Central New York for a little more than a year, according to a news release from federal prosecutors.

Roosa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Between January 2020 and April 2021, Roosa worked with a group to collect and distribute methamphetamine in the Syracuse area, according to court documents filed in federal court.

Roosa became involved in the group because she was in a relationship with one of her co-defendants at the time, according to court documents. She would primarily receive drug shipments at her home in Clay. She would then pay a contact in San Diego once the methamphetamines were delivered, according to court documents.

One of the packages sent to his home contained 879 grams of methamphetamines, federal prosecutors said. Prosecutors said Roosa also admitted she knew an accomplice kept about 400 grams of methamphetamine at a Syracuse convenience store, which was later confiscated by law enforcement.

In documents filed before her sentencing, Roosa's defense attorneys said receiving the packages was her primary involvement in the drug trafficking ring. Her attorneys said she was connected to the drug distribution group because of her romantic relationship with an accomplice and her drug addiction issues.

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Got a tip, story idea, question or comment? You can reach her at [email protected].