Joseph Thompson, a 38-year-old resident of Hogansburg, New York, received a 66-month federal prison sentence on December 19, 2024. He was convicted for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York Field Division.
Thompson admitted guilt to arranging a meeting in June 2023 at a parking lot in Massena, NY. The purpose was to exchange marijuana for firearms. He confessed to trading approximately 18 pounds of marijuana for seven semiautomatic pistols and ammunition magazines. Authorities arrested him immediately after the transaction.
In addition to his prison term, Thompson will serve three years of supervised release upon completing his sentence.
The ATF led the investigation with support from several agencies including Quebec Provincial Police, St. Regis Tribal Police, New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Massena Police Department, and U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case.