Virginia Fugitive Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun Charges, Faces 10 Years in NY
A Virginia fugitive wanted for armed robbery in his home state has pleaded guilty to felony drug and gun charges on Long Island, putting him at risk of serving 10 years in prison in New York State. Shanti Felton, aged 20, was apprehended in Bay Shore, Suffolk County, on October 19, 2022, with a significant stash of more than 4,000 fentanyl pills and three loaded guns.
The effectiveness of a joint operation between local and federal law enforcement agencies was evident in this case. This case highlights the effectiveness of law enforcement working together at the local and federal level to remove a dangerous individual from our streets, said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
The combined efforts of Suffolk County cops and US marshals led to Felton’s capture. While attempting to flee through a basement window, Felton was found in possession of a loaded automatic pistol. After a brief standoff with the police, he was taken into custody. Upon searching the premises, police and marshals discovered a cache of illegal items, including 4,035 fentanyl pills, 220 pressed methamphetamine pills, $5,510 in cash, four cellphones, and three loaded guns. One of the guns had been modified to be fully automatic.
Felton is expected to face a sentence of 10 years in prison when he appears in court on December 8, as per the terms of the plea agreement. However, it’s worth noting that he still faces pending charges in Virginia related to an armed robbery in May 2021.
This arrest and subsequent guilty plea demonstrate the seriousness of Felton’s criminal activities and the potential danger he posed to the public. The seizure of such a large quantity of fentanyl pills is particularly significant, as this potent opioid has been associated with numerous overdose deaths across the United States.
Law enforcement agencies are commended for their successful collaboration in apprehending this fugitive and preventing harm to both officers and the public. The joint efforts of local and federal authorities have proven to be instrumental in removing dangerous individuals like Felton from our communities and safeguarding public safety.
