Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Methamphetamine and Cocaine With Intent to Distribute

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Leon "Sam" Ostrander, age 50, of Johnstown, New York, pled guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.

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.

Ostrander admitted that on January 17, 2024, he possessed over 400 grams of actual methamphetamine and 1.2 kilograms of cocaine seized by law enforcement during a search warrant executed at Ostrander's home. Ostrander further admitted that he possessed the substances with the intent to sell them.

Ostrander will be sentenced on October 25, 2024 by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Ostrander faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, and a term of post-release supervision of between 5 years and life. A defendant's sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The DEA and the Johnstown Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting the case.