Eric Petrie, age 32, of Oswego County, pleaded guilty on April 8 to distribution of a controlled substance, according to First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations.
Petrie’s case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address drug trafficking in local communities. Law enforcement officials say that distributing dangerous drugs remains a serious concern for public safety.
As part of his plea agreement, Petrie admitted that between January 2022 and February 2023 he knowingly distributed N,N-Dimethylpentylone—commonly referred to as “molly”—to customers in and around Oswego County. He obtained the drug from several sources, including purchasing from other individuals and receiving deliveries through a website. Petrie then repackaged the substance before selling it locally.
“We will not tolerate those who poison our community for profit. Today’s guilty plea is a testament to the strong partnerships between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and both federal and local law enforcement agencies. While our state system may not treat these drug cases with the same urgency, we will step in to ensure accountability. If you choose to distribute dangerous drugs, know that we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will hold you fully accountable,” Sarcone said.
“Dangerous drugs have no place in our communities. Homeland Security Investigations is working every day with our law enforcement partners to disrupt drug trafficking networks and keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Keegan.
Sentencing for Petrie is scheduled for August 6 before Senior U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. He faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine up to $1 million dollars, and supervised release ranging from three years up to life depending on statutory guidelines and other factors considered by the court.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations along with members of the Oswego County Drug Task Force—which includes HSI agents as well as personnel from the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, Oswego City Police Department, Fulton Police Department, and United States Border Patrol.
