Kwahpreme Mitchell, 34, of Watervliet, New York, has been sentenced to 106 months in federal prison for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and as a convicted felon. The sentencing took place on January 9, 2026. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James; and Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy.
Mitchell previously pleaded guilty to receiving firearms from Jonathon Combs and Martin Taft that had been stolen from Calamity Jane’s Firearms and Fine Shoes, a federally licensed gun dealer in Hudson Falls, New York, on October 21, 2022. In return for the stolen firearms, Mitchell agreed to provide Combs and Taft with 150 grams of cocaine intended for distribution. Additionally, around October 15, 2022, Mitchell gave Combs about 3.5 grams of cocaine base in exchange for a shotgun. Mitchell was prohibited from possessing firearms due to an earlier felony drug conviction under New York State law.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Mitchell has now been held accountable for his poisoning of our communities with drugs and stolen guns. We again express our appreciation for the collaboration between ATF NY Albany, the NYSP, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and this Office in combating violent crime and keeping our communities safe.”
Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo stated: “This sentence reflects the serious danger posed when stolen firearms are funneled into drug trafficking networks. Mitchell’s actions tied together two violent threats – stolen guns and illegal drugs – putting communities at risk. ATF NY, alongside our state and local partners, remains committed to disrupting firearms trafficking at every point, holding offenders accountable, and preventing stolen guns from being used to fuel further crime and violence.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added: “I applaud our law enforcement officials at all levels for their strong police work and dedication to intercepting the trafficking of cocaine and weapons within our communities. The sentencing of Mr. Mitchell sends a clear message that we will find the people responsible for putting illegal substances and firearms in the hands of others. We will remain vigilant alongside our law enforcement partners in keeping these criminals off our streets and to maintain the safety of all New Yorkers.”
Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy commented: “This sentencing sends a clear message—those who target businesses in our county will be held accountable. Through strong collaboration with our law enforcement partners, justice was served, and our commitment to the victims remains unwavering.”
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a three-year term of supervised release following Mitchell’s release from prison.
The investigation was conducted by NYSP, ATF and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from both Washington County District Attorney’s Office and Warren County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is described by the Department of Justice as its primary program aimed at reducing violent crime through collaborative efforts among various stakeholders who focus on addressing local crime problems with comprehensive solutions focused on violent offenders as well as supporting prevention initiatives within communities.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods: https://www.justice.gov/psn
