Bellerose Man Sentenced on Drug and Firearms Charges

SYRACUSE, NY—United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; John F. Pikus, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany Division; Ronald B. Turk, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, New York Field Division; and James L. Campbell, Sheriff, Albany County, announced the conviction, after a three-day jury trial, of Jesse Yepez of Bellerose, New York, on two counts of possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of controlled substances, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(3); one count of selling a stolen firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(j); two counts of transferring a firearm knowing it will be used to commit a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(h); one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, in excess of 50 grams of cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) & 846; and one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, less than 50 kilograms of marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) & 846. With respect to the narcotics offenses, Jesse Yepez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. With respect to the firearms related offenses, Jesse Yepez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, and the Albany County Sheriff's Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss.