A Coram man was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision, after pleading guilty in April to illegally possessing a loaded gun and narcotics in his home.
On June 9, 2023, members of the Suffolk County Police Department executed a search warrant at Desmond Roberts’ residence in Coram. During their search, detectives found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9-millimeter semi-automatic firearm, as well as 9.71 ounces of cocaine, 4.56 ounces of fentanyl, and 0.58 ounces of oxycodone. All the drugs were packaged in a manner consistent with drug sales.
In addition, law enforcement found drug paraphernalia, including drug packaging material, diluents, three digital scales, multiple cellular phones, and more than $190,000 in cash. At the time of the search, three young children were in the home near the gun and the drugs.
At the time of the offense, Roberts was serving a sentence of probation for a 2018 conviction for third-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class C felony.
On April 19, 2024, Roberts pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C violent felony, and second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A-II felony, before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro.
On August 16, 2024, Ambro sentenced Roberts to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
“Today’s sentencing underscores the severity of repeated criminal behavior, especially when it endangers the safety of young children,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “Despite being on probation for a prior felony conviction, the defendant again violated the law by illegally possessing a gun and illegal substances. This sentence reflects our commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting our community from recidivists.”