A Frankfort man has pleaded guilty to federal charges of cocaine trafficking and illegal firearm possession, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
Michael Austin, 46, admitted to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute and to possessing two firearms as a convicted felon. Prosecutors say Austin sold roughly 13 ounces of cocaine over seven transactions between April and August 2024, and was found with an additional 78 grams at his home on August 15.
Austin also admitted to selling two handguns from his Frankfort residence on July 26, 2024. He was previously convicted in 2010 in federal court of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, and sentenced to over five years in prison.
“This conviction is a major win for public safety,” said U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “The defendant was pumping deadly drugs and firearms into our streets which only fuels violence and destroys lives.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller emphasized the risks of combining drug trafficking with illegal firearms. “Bringing guns and poison into our communities creates fear and instability—and the consequences are real,” he said.
Austin faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for the drug charge and 15 years for the firearm offense. His sentencing is scheduled for October 15.
The case was investigated by the ATF, with support from the DEA, New York State Police, and New Hartford Police Department. It is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime.
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