Kwahpreme Mitchell, 34, from Watervliet, New York, has been sentenced to 106 months in federal prison for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and as a convicted felon. The sentencing 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 Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Mitchell previously pleaded guilty to receiving firearms stolen by Jonathon Combs and Martin Taft from Calamity Jane’s Firearms and Fine Shoes, a federally licensed dealer in Hudson Falls. The theft occurred on October 21, 2022. In exchange for the stolen firearms, Mitchell provided Combs and Taft with 150 grams of cocaine intended for distribution. He also gave approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine base to Combs on or about October 15, 2022 in return for a shotgun. Due to a prior felony drug conviction under New York State law, Mitchell was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Mitchell has now been held accountable for his poisoning of our communities with drugs and stolen guns. We again express our appreciation for the collaboration between ATF NY Albany, the NYSP, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and this Office in combating violent crime and keeping our communities safe.”
Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge at ATF New York Field Division stated: “This sentence reflects the serious danger posed when stolen firearms are funneled into drug trafficking networks. Mitchell’s actions tied together two violent threats – stolen guns and illegal drugs – putting communities at risk. ATF NY, alongside our state and local partners, remains committed to disrupting firearms trafficking at every point, holding offenders accountable, and preventing stolen guns from being used to fuel further crime and violence.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James commented: “I applaud our law enforcement officials at all levels for their strong police work and dedication to intercepting the trafficking of cocaine and weapons within our communities. The sentencing of Mr. Mitchell sends a clear message that we will find the people responsible for putting illegal substances and firearms in the hands of others. We will remain vigilant alongside our law enforcement partners in keeping these criminals off our streets and to maintain the safety of all New Yorkers.”
Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy added: “This sentencing sends a clear message—those who target businesses in our county will be held accountable. Through strong collaboration with our law enforcement partners, justice was served, and our commitment to the victims remains unwavering.”
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci ordered that after completing his prison term Mitchell must serve three years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by NYSP, ATF https://www.atf.gov/, Washington County Sheriff’s Office https://washingtoncountysheriffny.com/, with support from both Washington County District Attorney’s Office https://washingtoncountyda.com/and Warren County District Attorney’s Office https://warrencountyny.gov/da/. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative led by the Department of Justice focused on reducing violent crime through community partnerships https://www.justice.gov/psn played a role as part of ongoing efforts targeting violent offenders.
