ALBANY, NEW YORK – Brandon Bartley, a 26-year-old Albany resident, has entered a guilty plea to significant drug and gun-related offenses, according to announcements from United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and leading federal law enforcement officials. Bartley admitted to trafficking substantial amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, alongside possessing an arsenal of over 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 furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The operation was run from his Western Avenue apartment, where a law enforcement raid on May 23, 2023, uncovered 34 firearms, including a loaded Glock positioned on his bed for protection of his narcotics and profits. Authorities also seized over 400 grams of fentanyl pills, more than 7,000 grams of methamphetamine pills, and over 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 to a potential life sentence, with potential fines reaching up to $10 million, and supervised release of at least five years to life post-incarceration.
This case is part of a broader investigation which has seen other defendants charged, including Anthony Luizzi, who also pled guilty to related drug and gun crimes and is awaiting sentencing. Additional defendants such as Jabree Jones and Devon Newsome are facing various charges connected to this extensive federal operation.