Uqoeon Lawrence, 29, of Syracuse, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentencing took place last week in Syracuse, New York.
Lawrence admitted to selling controlled substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Syracuse area. He also acknowledged possessing a shotgun for protection during his drug activities. Due to a prior felony conviction, Lawrence was prohibited from owning firearms. Additionally, he received two semi-automatic pistols that had been purchased in Maine and brought to Syracuse. He then resold these firearms to others in the community.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented on the case: “Uqoeon Lawrence peddled toxic drugs in Syracuse, protected his drug business with illegal firearms, and profited by pumping still more illegal guns into our community. Syracuse is safer with Lawrence behind bars, where he will remain for 15 years. My office is committed to bringing dangerous drug dealers like Lawrence to justice.”
Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), said: “This case reflects our unwavering commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the people of Syracuse. When individuals flood our streets with guns and deadly drugs, we respond as one team — focused on safeguarding our communities and holding offenders accountable. I’m grateful for the strong collaboration between ATF New York Syracuse Field Office, DEA, the Syracuse Police Department Intelligence Unit, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.”
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes imposed an additional five-year term of supervised release following Lawrence’s imprisonment.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Syracuse Police Department-Intelligence Unit (SPD-INTEL). Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Commandeur and retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) served as a framework for this enforcement effort. PSN brings together stakeholders to address violent crime through targeted enforcement against violent offenders and partnerships with prevention programs aimed at reducing crime over time. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
