COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Cautionary Tale of Crime and Consequences
In a recent development that has made waves in our community, a Columbia man, Leroy Antonio Belin, has been sentenced to over eight years in prison following a tense traffic stop that revealed a startling array of illegal possessions. The incident occurred back on July 6, 2023, when officers from the Columbia Police Department pulled over Belin, not knowing the extent of what they would find.
The Traffic Stop
What began as a routine traffic stop turned into a significant law enforcement operation. Officers discovered that 31-year-old Belin was not just in the driver’s seat; he was also reportedly in possession of a loaded firearm. To make matters worse, he had several prohibited items, including marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, ecstasy, and oxycodone. For those of us who might not be familiar with the substance, psilocybin mushrooms are known for their psychoactive properties, and ecstasy, or MDMA, is a popular party drug.
A Troubling Past
This wasn’t Belin’s first run-in with the law. According to the Department of Justice, he had prior felony convictions that included serious charges like attempted murder, discharging firearms into a dwelling, common law robbery, and multiple counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by someone convicted of a violent felony. That’s right—Belin had a history that made it illegal for him to own or possess any firearms. But despite knowing this, he found himself in possession of a stolen firearm—one that had been reported stolen from nearby Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Charges
Given his previous convictions and the illegal items found in his possession, the legal system wasted no time in processing Belin’s case. He ultimately pleaded guilty to two charges: being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. With a history like his, the outcome was almost expected. United States District Judge Mary Geiger-Lewis decided on a firm sentence of 100 months, which translates to more than eight years behind bars. Following his prison term, Belin will also face a three-year period of court-ordered supervision.
The Investigation
This case was no small operation. It brought together the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Columbia Police Department. These agencies worked collaboratively, showcasing their commitment to keeping our streets safe. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore took the lead in prosecuting this case, ensuring that justice was served not just for this incident but hopefully as a deterrent against similar future actions.
A Reflection on Community Safety
For the residents of Columbia, this story serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against crime and illegal activities in our neighborhoods. It’s not just about one man’s wrongdoings; it’s also about ensuring that we live in a safe environment where everyone can feel secure. With officers dedicated to keeping the peace and a legal system that takes these cases seriously, there is hope that our community will continue to move towards a safer future.
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