Columbia Man Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Gun and Drug Offenses

Columbia Man Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison

Columbia, S.C. – It’s a somber day in our community as local authorities recently announced that a Columbia man, Leroy Antonio Belin, will be spending more than eight years behind bars. This decision comes after Belin’s involvement in a serious incident during a traffic stop on July 6, 2023, where he was found with a loaded firearm and various controlled substances.

What Happened During the Traffic Stop?

During that fateful traffic stop, officers from the Columbia Police Department (CPD) discovered that the 31-year-old was carrying a loaded gun, along with ammunition, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, ecstasy, and oxycodone. That’s a lot for one individual to have at one time!

Belin’s past made this situation even more serious. He had several prior felony convictions, which meant that he was not legally allowed to possess any firearms. Some of his previous run-ins with the law include serious offenses such as attempted murder, discharging firearms into a dwelling, and robbery. Given his history, having a loaded weapon on him raised a lot of eyebrows among law enforcement officials.

A Stolen Gun and Its Implications

As investigators looked deeper into the situation, they found out that the gun Belin was carrying had been reported stolen from Charlotte, North Carolina. This revelation only added to the weight of his charges. It’s concerning when weapons slip into the wrong hands, and this case was no exception. It highlights the ongoing issue of gun safety and the need for controlled and responsible ownership.

The Legal Consequences

After evaluating the evidence and the charges, Belin eventually pleaded guilty to two serious offenses: being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Understanding the seriousness of his crimes, United States District Judge Mary Geiger-Lewis imposed a sentence of 100 months, which is the equivalent of over eight years of imprisonment. After completing his time in prison, Belin will also be under court-ordered supervision for three years, ensuring that he stays on the right track once released.

An Ongoing Investigation

This case didn’t just happen in isolation. It was the result of a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Columbia Police Department. Their diligent work underscores the importance of community safety and the ongoing battle against illegal firearms and drug distribution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore played a crucial role in prosecuting the case, emphasizing the seriousness with which law enforcement agencies are treating such crimes.

The Community Impact

While it’s always tough to hear about incidents like this, they remind us of the critical role that law enforcement plays in our community. Keeping our neighborhoods safe often means tackling hard issues like illegal firearms and drug distribution head-on. It’s a challenging job but an essential one.

As Columbia moves forward from this incident, we must stay aware and take action against similar issues in our town. Every step towards a safer community is a step in the right direction!

Remember to stay informed, and let’s continue to support our local law enforcement agencies as they work diligently to keep our city a safe place for everyone.