A Bellport man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for firearms and drug possession.
On January 26, 2023, members of the Suffolk County Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence frequented by Levoughn McKinnie. During the search, officers recovered cocaine, two digital scales, drug packaging material, cash, and a loaded .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol.
On November 29, 2023, shortly before his trial was about to begin, McKinnie pleaded guilty before State 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
- one 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 also has two prior felony convictions for attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree in 2008, and second-degree attempted assault in 2005.
McKinnie was originally scheduled to be sentenced on February 8, 2024, but failed to appear in court. Mazzei issued a bench warrant.
On March 30, 2024, a member of the Suffolk County Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle McKinnie was driving. McKinnie failed to stop his vehicle and was subsequently arrested for unlawful fleeing from a police officer and reckless driving.
On April 30, 2024, Judge Mazzei sentenced McKinnie, 36, to 15 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
“This prior felon intended to distribute dangerous drugs into our community here in Suffolk County,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “I want to thank the Suffolk County Police Department
for their investigation in this case, and the assigned prosecutors for ensuring that this defendant was held accountable for his crimes.”