Zachary Jackson, a 38-year-old resident of Ithaca, New York, pleaded guilty to several drug and firearms charges in federal court on Tuesday. The charges include possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, Jackson admitted that on November 19, 2024, he possessed a kilogram of cocaine and carried a Glock handgun for protection while selling drugs. Authorities reported that Jackson distributed cocaine in the Ithaca and Auburn areas. Because of a previous felony assault conviction in New York State for which he served over ten years in prison, Jackson was not legally allowed to possess any firearms.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented: “Drug dealers, especially ones with violent criminal histories like this defendant, should know that law enforcement in the Northern District of New York will find them and put them behind bars. Thanks to the investigative efforts of local agencies and the DEA, our communities are now safe from this dealer, his drugs, and his gun.”
Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division stated: “Drugs and weapons too often go hand in hand. Today’s guilty plea from Zachary Jackson serves a clear reminder that justice will be delivered to those who flood our communities with narcotics. The DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners in protecting our communities and enhancing public safety.”
Sentencing is set for December 18, 2025 before United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Jackson faces at least ten years up to life imprisonment, fines up to $5 million, and supervised release terms ranging from four years up to life.
The investigation involved collaboration between DEA agents; New York State Police; Finger Lakes Drug Task Force; Auburn Police Department; Ithaca Police Department; and district attorney offices from Onondaga, Cayuga, and Tompkins counties.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is handling prosecution for the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime through collaborative strategies among stakeholders including law enforcement and community organizations, is part of broader efforts described at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
