Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Sean Christianson, 45, of Manhattan, New York, was sentenced today to 151 months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III 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 guilty plea, Christianson admitted that on February 25, 2025, he traveled from the New York City area to Liverpool, New York, with twenty-two one-kilogram bricks of cocaine in his vehicle. Christianson intended to sell the cocaine in the Syracuse area. Law enforcement apprehended Christianson as he arrived in Liverpool. At the sentencing hearing, the evidence also established that Christianson maintained a New York City apartment for the purpose of drug distribution and illegally possessed firearms in connection with his drug activity.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the investigative efforts of the DEA and our other law enforcement partners, another drug dealer and a huge quantity of narcotics have been put away for a long time. Drug dealers will not get away with selling narcotics in the Northern District of New York.”
“Today’s sentencing of Sean Christianson sends a clear message to those individuals who are looking to flood our upstate communities with illicit narcotics and violence” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners understand the harmful effects dangerous drugs have on our communities and we will continue do everything we can to make sure justice is delivered.”
United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Christianson is released from prison.
DEA investigated the case with assistance from the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, Syracuse Police Department, and City of New York Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.
###