Clayville resident Leshawn Thomas sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and firearms possession in major Oneida County case

Clayville, New York, New York – In a recent judicial ruling from Oneida County, Leshawn Thomas, a 34-year-old resident of Clayville, New York, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. This decision follows his guilty plea for serious charges including the intent to distribute significant quantities of cocaine and cocaine base, as well as unlawful possession of firearms. The sentencing was confirmed by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, with Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, also making statements regarding the case.

According to court documents, Thomas had previously been convicted of two felonies before facing the current charges. On or around April 28, 2023, he was found to be in possession of approximately 3.01 kilograms of cocaine and 268.14 grams of cocaine base, which he intended to distribute within the jurisdiction of Oneida County. Additionally, he was found in possession of two loaded semi-automatic pistols, further complicating his legal troubles due to his prior convictions.

Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes has not only sentenced Thomas to a decade behind bars but also mandated an 8-year term of supervised release upon his completion of the prison term. Furthermore, there was an order for the forfeiture of the semi-automatic pistols involved in the case.

The arrest and subsequent sentencing of Thomas were the result of collaborative efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the DEA, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NY DOCCS-Parole). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey.

This case is part of the broader Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a cornerstone of the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat violent crime across the United States. PSN is an evidence-based program that has proven effective in reducing violent crime by focusing on the most violent offenders and integrating locally based prevention and reentry programs. This strategic approach aims to achieve lasting reductions in crime and enhance community safety, aligning enforcement and community efforts to tackle the most pressing crime issues. For more information about PSN and its initiatives, interested parties can visit the official Department of Justice website.