United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ALBANY, NY – Carlo Varnado, 41, of South Glens Falls, New York, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, New York Division, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

As part of his guilty plea, Varnado admitted that between January 2013 and Oct. 9, 2017, he distributed cocaine from his apartment in South Glens Falls and in areas around Glens Falls. Some of this cocaine was resold in and around Lake Placid, New York.  On Oct. 9, 2017, DEA Special Agents seized approximately 8.8 ounces of cocaine bound for Lake Placid after Varnado distributed it to another person.  DEA Special Agents then executed a search warrant at Varnado’s apartment and recovered approximately 20 grams of cocaine, inositol (a common cutting agent for cocaine), approximately $1,000 in U.S. currency, a scale, a vacuum sealer, and plastic baggies.  As part of his plea, Varnado admitted trafficking approximately 4 kilograms of cocaine during the conspiracy.

As a result of his conviction, Varnado faces at least five years and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000, when he is sentenced on Sept. 24, 2019.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

This case was investigated by the DEA Albany District Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.

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