Joseph Mitchell, a 38-year-old resident of Nelliston, New York, has entered a guilty plea for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a felon. This development was announced by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
Mitchell admitted to collaborating with another individual to distribute more than 350 grams of methamphetamine during August 2024. Authorities executed a search warrant at Mitchell’s residence on September 5, 2024, which resulted in the discovery of two rifles and one shotgun. As part of his plea agreement, Mitchell consented to forfeit these firearms. Due to previous felony convictions for attempted robbery and narcotics possession, Mitchell was prohibited from legally possessing firearms.
The potential penalties for Mitchell include a mandatory prison term ranging from at least 10 years to life imprisonment, along with supervised release spanning from at least 5 years up to life. The final sentence will be determined by a judge who will consider the specific statute violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other relevant factors.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is handling the prosecution.