Utica Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm Offenses

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Carlos Pena Uceta, age 34, of Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 130 months in federal prison for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

As part of his plea on February 27, 2024, Pena Uceta admitted that, on June 4, 2023, he possessed a duffel bag in his vehicle containing five kilograms of cocaine, which he had just purchased in New York City and was transporting back to the Northern District of New York. Pena Uceta further admitted that, on the same date, he also possessed two kilograms of cocaine and a Polymer 80 9mm "ghost gun" in a suitcase at his apartment.

Chief United States District Judge Brenda Sannes also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release, which will start when Pena Uceta is released from prison.

The DEA investigated the case with assistance from New York State Police, Utica Police Department, and the Oneida County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case.