Kwahpreme Mitchell, 34, of Watervliet, New York, pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing firearms as a convicted felon. The plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III along with officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York State Police (NYSP), and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Mitchell admitted to receiving firearms from Jonathon Combs and Martin Taft after they stole them from Calamity Jane’s Firearms and Fine Shoes in Hudson Falls on October 21, 2022. In exchange for the stolen guns, Mitchell provided Combs and Taft with 150 grams of cocaine intended for distribution. On another occasion around October 15, 2022, Mitchell gave Combs about 3.5 grams of cocaine base for a shotgun. Due to a prior felony drug conviction in New York State, Mitchell was not legally allowed to possess these firearms.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Mitchell, already a drug felon, admitted to using drugs to purchase stolen firearms. Drugs and guns are always a dangerous combination, which is why we will prosecute every armed drug dealer we can find. Thanks to the tremendous work of the ATF and our state and local partners following the October 2022 burglary of Calamity Jane’s, our communities are now safe from this dealer, his drugs, and his stolen guns.”
Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller said: “This case underscores the dangerous intersection of firearms trafficking and illegal drugs. A convicted felon exchanging cocaine for firearms — including guns stolen from a federally licensed dealer — poses a serious threat to public safety. Thanks to the outstanding collaboration between ATF NY Albany, the NYSP, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office NDNY, we were able to disrupt this illicit scheme. This outcome highlights the critical importance of strong partnerships at every level — local, state, and federal — in combating violent crime and keeping our communities safe.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added: “Collaborative efforts are an integral part of protecting against the crimes and associated terrors that come with illegal weapons and drug trafficking. The individual involved in this operation posed a significant threat to public safety and his guilty plea is a testament to the results we can achieve when agencies work together. We remain committed to targeting the sources of illicit gun and drug activity and holding those responsible fully accountable.”
Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy stated: “This case underscores the dangers posed by individuals who engage in these activities. The combination of narcotics and firearms in our communities puts not only the public at risk but also law enforcement. I appreciate the assistance received from our State and Federal Partners.”
Sentencing is set for January 9, 2026 before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Mitchell faces between five years up to life imprisonment as well as fines up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by NYSP, ATF, Washington County Sheriff’s Office with help from county district attorney offices; Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is described by officials as an evidence-based program focused on reducing violent crime through collaboration among stakeholders at all levels; more information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
