Todd Austin, 64, of Gloversville, New York, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of pure methamphetamine. The sentencing took place on Friday in Albany.
Austin had previously pleaded guilty, admitting that between March and July 2023 he obtained methamphetamine from a supplier based in Albany and sold it from his residence in Gloversville. In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci imposed a three-year term of supervised release following Austin’s incarceration.
The case is part of a broader investigation involving nine defendants. Andrew Deleon received a sentence of 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Stefanie Plass was sentenced to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Ahmad Burke received a sentence of 14 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Sentencing dates are pending for Keisha Duboise (September 30, 2025), Flor Arencibia (December 4, 2025), and Melissa Karwan (November 24, 2025). Charges against Felix Arencibia and Christian Mur-Santana are still pending; both are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Methamphetamine is a terrible drug that has plagued Upstate New York communities. With our law enforcement partners, we are fighting back. Anyone distributing meth in the Northern District of New York should be prepared to do federal prison time.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated, “Methamphetamine has a devastating impact on communities across our region. The DEA remains steadfast in targeting those who profit from this poison, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to protect the public and dismantle these drug trafficking organizations.”
USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward stated, “The United States Postal Inspection Service is committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine out of the mail and off our streets. This sentence not only holds Mr. Austin accountable for his crimes, but also sends a clear warning to drug trafficking organizations that attempt to exploit the mail system. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, the USPIS will use every available resource to combat the spread of dangerous, illegal drugs in our communities.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant United States Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Joshua R. Rosenthal prosecuted the case as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.
OCDETF uses an intelligence-driven approach led by prosecutors working with multiple agencies to identify and disrupt major criminal organizations threatening the United States. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
