PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Gerald Washington, age 29, of Springfield, Massachusetts, pled guilty today to possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen; and Acting Chief Patrol Agent Keith Hoops, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
As part of his plea, Washington admitted that on July 1, 2020, he travelled from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Westville, New York, near the northern border, with a co-defendant, and acquired approximately 13 kilograms of marijuana that was intended for distribution in Massachusetts. Washington also admitted to possessing a handgun while being a convicted felon.
Washington faces a sentence of 70 months in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervision of 2 years when he is sentenced on December 28, 2022, by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. This is a sentence jointly recommended by the Government and the defendant; if Judge D’Agostino rejects the recommendation, Washington can withdraw his guilty plea and proceed to trial.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and the New York State Police, Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt.