Angel Madera, a 30-year-old resident of Rensselaer, New York, was detained last week pending trial following an indictment. The charges against him include conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. This announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the FBI.
The charges carry severe penalties, including a mandatory prison sentence ranging from 5 to 40 years, a fine up to $5 million, and supervised release for at least four years up to life. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on various factors including the specific statute violated and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented on the case: “The defendant is charged with bringing significant quantities of dangerous drugs from New York City to be distributed in the Capital District. Narcotics have been ravaging our society and here in the Northern District of New York, if you are arrested for distributing narcotics or possessing them with the intent to distribute, regardless of the quantity, you will face the highest possible punishment the law provides.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “As alleged, Mr. Madera trafficked dangerous drugs into the Capital Region with the intention of selling them in our communities. The FBI will continue to do everything we can to stop the sale of illicit narcotics in our streets and keep our communities safe.”
The indictment alleges that Madera conspired with Daval Byrams to transport cocaine from New York City to the Capital District for distribution. On March 11, 2025, three kilograms of cocaine were seized from Byrams as he and Madera disembarked from a bus in Schenectady. Byrams has already pled guilty earlier this month to possessing these drugs with intent to distribute and is scheduled for sentencing on September 16, 2025.
It is important to note that charges in an indictment are accusations only; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner.
