A Bellport man has been sentenced to 35 years to life in prison for possessing narcotics and a loaded firearm and selling drugs to an undercover officer.
On June 15, 2021, Johnnie Funderburke, 38 sold heroin to an undercover police officer from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Section. Funderburke also sold more heroin as well as cocaine to the same undercover officer on June 21 and June 24, 2021. On July 6, police executed a search warrant on Funderburke’s home and recovered multiple drugs including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine. Police also recovered two digital scales, cash, and a loaded pistol.
On June 13, 2023, Funderburke was found guilty on multiple charges, including second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, five counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, six counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Funderburke also has a prior felony charge of second-degree attempted robbery and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon in 2007, as well as second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon in 2011.
On July 12, 2023, Funderburke was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison.
“This previously convicted violent felon decided to deal drugs and possess a loaded gun. As a result of that choice, he will now go to prison which will make our streets safer,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “We will not allow violent felons to push drugs into our streets and
neighborhoods in Suffolk County without severe repercussions.”