Faces Up to 15 Years in Prison
A Bellport man pleaded guilty to numerous weapons and drug charges shortly before opening arguments in his trial were about to begin.
On January 26, members of the Suffolk County Police Department executed a search warrant of a residence frequented by 36-year-old Levoughn McKinnie. During the search, officers recovered cocaine, two digital scales, drug packaging material, cash, and a loaded .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol.
Before his trial was set to begin on November 29 , McKinnie pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Judge Timothy P. Mazzei, to the following charges:
- one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C violent felony
- one count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class D felony
- one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class B felony
- 0ne count of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony
- two counts of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, both Class A misdemeanors
McKinnie has two prior felony convictions, including attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree from 2008, and second-degree attempted assault from 2005.
McKinnie is due back in court for sentencing on February 8, 2024, and faces up to 15 years in prison.
“We will continue to go after those who continue to flood our streets with dangerous drugs and illegal deadly weapons,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “Illicit drugs destroy lives, and illegal weapons threaten the safety of our Suffolk County residents.”