Tymell Cooks, 36, of Albany, pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
According to court records, Cooks admitted that between January and June 2024 he sold approximately 202 grams of fentanyl directly and through a co-conspirator. In June 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in Albany where they found about 69 grams of cocaine, two loaded firearms—a Cobra Firearms Shadow 38 Special revolver and an M&P Shield EZ 2.0 Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol—ammunition, $4,850 in cash, and body armor. Cooks acknowledged possessing the firearms for protection of his drug supply and proceeds.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Fentanyl continues to fuel the deadly overdose crisis across our communities. This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to holding accountable those who traffic in this poison and use illegal firearms to protect their criminal enterprises. We thank the DEA and our law enforcement partners for their continued efforts to dismantle these dangerous networks.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “Today’s guilty plea of Tymell Cooks is thanks to the hard work and determination of our DEA special agents and partners in targeting those individuals who pose a danger to our society. New Yorkers deserve safe communities free of drugs and violence, and the DEA is committed to delivering that.”
Sentencing is set for January 6, 2026 before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Cooks faces a minimum prison term of ten years up to life imprisonment, a possible fine up to $5 million, and supervised release ranging from four years up to life.
The DEA investigated the case with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims at reducing violent crime through coordinated enforcement efforts focused on violent offenders as well as partnerships with local prevention programs, played a role in this case. More information about PSN can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
