Schenectady Man Charged with Firearm and Drug Offenses

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Willie Mills, age 31, of Schenectady, New York, was ordered detained last week following his indictment and arrest for possession of a firearm as a prohibited person and distribution of cocaine and fentanyl.

United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division, made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on April 27, 2023, Mills unlawfully possessed a firearm as a previously convicted felon. The indictment also charges that Mills distributed cocaine and fentanyl on four separate dates in 2023 and 2024. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charges filed against Mills carry a prison term of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5 million, and a supervised release term 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.

Mills was arraigned in Albany on October 29 before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel. Following a detention hearing on October 31, Mills was ordered detained pending trial.

DEA is investigating the case with assistance from the Schenectady Police Department and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Paulbeck is prosecuting the case.