ALBANY, NEW YORK - Benz Coleman, age 33, of Colonie, New York, pled guilty today to one count of possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl 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.

Coleman admitted that on January 31, 2024, he possessed more than 3,000 fentanyl pills and more than 13 grams of cocaine, all with the intent to distribute the drugs. Coleman further admitted that between November 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024, he sold another person more than 2,400 fentanyl pills.

At sentencing on February 12, 2025, before Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn, Coleman faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison. The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 4 years and up to 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.

DEA and the Colonie Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss is prosecuting the case.