A Watertown resident, Seth Demiceli, 24, pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The plea was entered in federal court on Wednesday, according to an announcement from Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
According to prosecutors, Demiceli admitted that on January 16, 2025, he transported approximately 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from Albany to Watertown. The drugs were packaged in ten bags containing about one pound each. Law enforcement officers apprehended Demiceli as he returned to Watertown with the narcotics intended for distribution in the area.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “This drug dealer was apprehended by law enforcement with a terrifying amount of methamphetamine in his car. This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to disrupt, arrest and prosecute those who traffic this poison in the Northern District of New York.”
Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “Illegal drugs devastate lives and fuel violence. This case shows that those who profit from spreading poison will face serious consequences. Through ATF NY Syracuse Field Office’s strong partnership with the New York State Police, the Metro Drug Task Force, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office NDNY, we remain committed to working together to protect our communities.”
Demiceli is scheduled for sentencing on December 17, 2025 before United States District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and could receive up to life imprisonment along with a fine up to $10 million and supervised release between four years and life.
The investigation was led by ATF with support from the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit and Metro Jefferson Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is handling prosecution.
