In a recent trial, an Anchorage man was found guilty of drug and firearm charges after police discovered heroin, methamphetamine, and a loaded firearm in his vehicle. The law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call regarding a man spray painting cars and, upon encountering the suspect attempting to flee the area, proceeded to apprehend him. During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a substantial amount of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded semi-automatic pistol. The conviction of Michael Delpriore Jr., along with the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and community involvement, underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Alaska’s communities.
Anchorage Man Convicted on Drug and Firearm Charges
Conviction by Jury
In a recent court trial, an Anchorage man named Michael Delpriore, Jr. was convicted on multiple charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession. The conviction was the result of a thorough investigation and collaboration between law enforcement agencies. This article will provide an overview of the case, including the charges and evidence, the police response to the incident, the search warrant and discoveries, as well as statements from the U.S. Attorney and the APD Police Chief.
Charges and Evidence
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the case against Delpriore involved charges of possessing heroin, pure methamphetamine, and a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Anchorage Police Department (APD) officers initially responded to a 911 call reporting a man spray painting cars. Upon arriving at the scene, they encountered Delpriore attempting to leave the area in his vehicle. Despite officer’s commands to stop and exit the vehicle, Delpriore refused to comply. He continued to roll his driver’s window up and down, obscuring the officers’ view inside the vehicle and reaching down towards the floor.
Eventually, Delpriore exited the vehicle and was placed under arrest. During a pat-search, officers found a digital scale with drug residue, a knife, and over $1,000 cash. Subsequently, a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle, leading to the discovery of four grams of methamphetamine, numerous syringes, and two loaded 9mm magazines. Additionally, officers found a loaded semi-auto 9mm pistol and 140 grams of heroin hidden behind the dash near the steering wheel. In total, there were 49 live 9mm rounds found in Delpriore’s vehicle.
Police Response to Incident
The APD’s response to the incident was prompt and professional. Upon receiving the 911 call about a man spray painting cars, officers were dispatched to the scene to investigate the reported criminal activity. Their interaction with Delpriore, who was attempting to flee the area in his vehicle, led to his subsequent arrest and the recovery of significant evidence. This demonstrates the dedication and commitment of the APD in ensuring the safety and security of the community.
Search Warrant and Discoveries
The search warrant obtained for Delpriore’s vehicle played a crucial role in uncovering the illegal substances and firearms. The diligent and meticulous work of law enforcement officers led them to find four grams of methamphetamine, numerous syringes, and two loaded 9mm magazines. The most significant discovery was a loaded semi-auto 9mm pistol and 140 grams of heroin concealed behind the dash near the steering wheel. These findings provided concrete evidence of Delpriore’s involvement in drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession.
Statement from U.S. Attorney
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska commented on the conviction, emphasizing its significance in making Alaska’s communities and streets safer. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners in holding individuals accountable for the distribution of destructive drugs that have a detrimental impact on the lives of Alaskan residents. This conviction serves as a deterrent to those engaging in illicit activities and reiterates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking.
Statement from APD Police Chief
APD Police Chief Michael Kerle commended the public’s commitment to assisting law enforcement in fighting crime. He emphasized that the entire investigation started because a citizen witnessed criminal behavior and took the time to alert the police. Chief Kerle emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement entities and the involvement of the community to ensure successful prosecutions. The partnership between the police and citizens is vital in maintaining the safety and security of the community.
Detention and Sentencing
Following the conviction, Chief U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason ordered that Delpriore be detained pending sentencing. As a result of the charges he faced and his prior criminal history, Delpriore could potentially face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. The final determination of the sentence will be made by a federal district court judge, who will consider various factors, including the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.
Collaborative Investigation
This case exemplifies the effectiveness of collaborative investigations between law enforcement agencies. The Anchorage Police Department worked closely with the FBI Anchorage Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to gather evidence and build a strong case against Delpriore. The success of this investigation is a testament to the combined efforts and expertise of various law enforcement entities in combating drug trafficking and illicit firearm possession.
Case Prosecution
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charisse Arce and Seth Brickey are responsible for prosecuting the case against Delpriore. Their dedication to justice and commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions contribute to the overall success of the prosecution. Their thorough understanding of the law, coupled with their extensive experience, enables them to present a strong case before the court and seek a just outcome for the community.
Assistance from Law Enforcement Agencies
The Anchorage Police Department received essential support and assistance from several law enforcement agencies in the successful resolution of this case. The FBI Anchorage Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) provided invaluable resources and expertise throughout the investigation. The collaboration between these agencies demonstrates the collective determination to combat drug trafficking and ensure the safety of the community.
In conclusion, the conviction of Michael Delpriore on drug and firearm charges is a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and make Alaska’s communities safer. This case highlights the effectiveness of collaborative investigations, the dedication of law enforcement officers, and the importance of public involvement in reporting criminal activities. The successful prosecution of this case sends a strong message that drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such activities will be held accountable for their actions.