Kristoffer Jackson, a 39-year-old resident of Schenectady, New York, was indicted on March 12 for distributing fentanyl and cocaine that led to an overdose death in Schenectady County. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam.
Jackson was arraigned last week before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart in Albany, where he was ordered detained pending trial on March 10.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Drug traffickers who flood our communities with dangerous controlled substances are not just dealing drugs—they are dealing death. As alleged, this defendant sold cocaine laced with fentanyl, a lethal poison that took a life in Schenectady County. Let this indictment send an unmistakable message: if you choose to profit from distributing these deadly substances, my Office will pursue you relentlessly and hold you fully accountable. We will continue to use every tool available to identify, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for poisoning our communities.”
DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam said: “As we know, fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats facing our nation, and any loss of life caused by this poison is a senseless tragedy. Today’s indictment of Kristoffer Jackson, who allegedly distributed this deadly substance, reaffirms our commitment to working with our judicial partners to hold those who poison our communities accountable. The DEA remains steadfast in our mission to protect the public and make America Fentanyl Free.”
If convicted, Jackson faces a minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison as well as supervised release ranging from at least three years up to life. Sentencing would be determined by a judge based on the statute violated, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations only; Jackson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The DEA is investigating the case with help from the Schenectady Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting.
