Schenectady Man Indicted for Fentanyl Overdose Death

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Kristoffer Jackson, age 39, of Schenectady, New York, was indicted on a charge of distributing fentanyl and cocaine that caused an overdose death in Schenectady County. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam made the announcement.

Jackson was arraigned last week in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart. On March 10, 2026, he was ordered detained pending trial.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: "Drug traffickers who flood our communities with dangerous controlled substances are not just dealing drugs-they are dealing death. As alleged, this defendant sold cocaine laced with fentanyl, a lethal poison that took a life in Schenectady County. Let this indictment send an unmistakable message: if you choose to profit from distributing these deadly substances, my Office will pursue you relentlessly and hold you fully accountable. We will continue to use every tool available to identify, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for poisoning our communities."

"As we know, fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats facing our nation, and any loss of life caused by this poison is a senseless tragedy. Today's indictment of Kristoffer Jackson, who allegedly distributed this deadly substance, reaffirms our commitment to working with our judicial partners to hold those who poison our communities accountable" stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. "The DEA remains steadfast in our mission to protect the public and make America Fentanyl Free."

If convicted, Jackson faces at least 20 years and up to life in prison, as well as post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 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.

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The DEA is investigating this case with assistance from the Schenectady Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting the case.