ALBANY, NEW YORK – In a stark reminder of the deadly symbiosis between drugs and guns, Kwahpreme Mitchell, 34, from Watervliet, New York, has pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
Mitchell admitted to receiving stolen firearms from Jonathon Combs and Martin Taft. These weapons were pilfered from Calamity Jane’s Firearms and Fine Shoes in Hudson Falls, New York. In exchange for the firearms, Mitchell agreed to provide 150 grams of cocaine to Combs and Taft, who intended to distribute it.
The plea comes after Mitchell’s earlier encounter with law enforcement on October 15, 2022, where he traded approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine base for a shotgun, even though he could not legally possess firearms due to his prior felony drug conviction.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III emphasized the threat posed by such dangerous combinations, stating that Mitchell’s actions are evidence that drugs and guns are a perilous mix. ‘Drugs and guns are always a dangerous combination,’ Sarcone said, ‘which is why we will prosecute every armed drug dealer we can find.’
Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF New York Field Division, highlighted the importance of collaboration in this case. ‘A convicted felon exchanging cocaine for firearms – including guns stolen from a federally licensed dealer – poses a serious threat to public safety,’ Miller said.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James commended the collaborative efforts that led to Mitchell’s guilty plea, emphasizing the need to target the sources of illicit gun and drug activity. ‘His guilty plea is a testament to the results we can achieve when agencies work together,’ James stated.
Mitchell’s sentencing is set for January 9, 2026. He faces at least five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to five years. The case was investigated by the NYSP, ATF, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Washington and Warren County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting this case.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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