ALBANY, NEW YORK – Anthony Luizzi, a 24-year-old from Halfmoon, New York, has entered a guilty plea to several charges related to drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, along with DEA and ATF officials, announced Luizzi’s admission to crimes involving the distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, as well as possessing nearly 40 firearms to further his drug trafficking activities.
Luizzi’s guilty plea encompasses conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute significant quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. He also admitted to the possession of firearms in connection with his drug trafficking crimes. The charges stem from operations run out of his Halfmoon residence and an Albany apartment, where law enforcement discovered over 11 kilograms of fentanyl pills and a collection of firearms, including a defaced shotgun.
During coordinated searches on May 23, 2023, authorities seized an additional 34 firearms, more than 400 grams of fentanyl pills, over 7,000 grams of methamphetamine pills, and over 700 grams of cocaine. Alongside the drugs and guns, law enforcement also confiscated $2,616 believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
Scheduled for sentencing on July 16, 2024, by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, Luizzi faces a minimum of 15 years to a maximum life sentence in prison. Additionally, he could be fined up to $10 million and be subject to a term of supervised release ranging from five years to life after his imprisonment.
Brandon Bartley and Jabree Jones, arrested in connection with the case on May 23, 2023, still face charges. Bartley is detained pending trial for cocaine distribution, while Jones is detained awaiting resolution on a supervised release violation petition.