Illinois (ECWd) –
Illinois’ Gun Ban Would Permit This Alleged Cocaine/Meth Trafficking Police Chief Legal Possession Of “Assault” Weapons, because he is a trained police officer – while at the same time restrict possession by law abiding citizens.
Greensburg Police Chief Shawn Denning Charged with Federal Drug Crimes
PITTSBURGH – Shawn Denning, the Chief of the Greensburg (Pennsylvania) Police Department, has been arrested and charged with violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced.
The six-count Criminal Complaint charging Denning, age 41, of Delmont, Pennsylvania, was unsealed yesterday in federal court in Pittsburgh. Denning was arrested Wednesday morning at the Greensburg Police Department and made an initial appearance by video before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maureen P. Kelly. Judge Kelly released the defendant on a $250,000 unsecured bond.
According to the Criminal Complaint, Denning is charged with:
• Count One: Aiding and abetting the distribution of a quantity of cocaine in and around November 2021;
• Count Two: Aiding and abetting the distribution of a quantity of cocaine in and around February 2022;
• Count Three: Aiding and abetting the distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine in and around January 2022 through February 2022;
• Count Four: Aiding and abetting the distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine in and around May 2022;
• Count Five: Aiding and abetting the attempted distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in and around July 2022; and
• Count Six: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute quantities of Schedule II controlled substances (methamphetamine and cocaine), in and around June 2021 through October 2022.
The complaint alleges that Denning facilitated the acquisition of cocaine and methamphetamine by Confidential Source 1 (CS1) multiple times over a 16-month period between June 2021 and October 2022. The drugs were sourced in California and Arizona, then delivered to CS1 via the United States mail.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
5 Comments
Kathiann
Posted at 13:12h, 26 JanuaryI think this law is going down. Judge Morrison’s decision was pretty firm….I expect the White County decision to be no less.
Cody L.
Posted at 07:42h, 27 JanuaryYour interpretation of the law is I think flawed in more than one way. If he became a felon, he would not be permitted to own a gun AND in illinois would not be able to hold the office of sherriff or officer anywhere in the state as a matter of law. Further his peace officer certification would be revoked upon being convicted of a felony. Two things to take away from this piece which is clearly just to stoke anger. #1 There are far worse things in the law to focus on other than this wording you say would allow this to happen and #2 your grasp of what is required to be a trained police officer is clearly limited. Do some more research. I can cite sources for you if you like.
I am against the gun grab 100% and even if the state courts do not willingly strike it down, the feds will if someone takes it to them. This article, at least the first part is so misleading its bordering on shameful.
John Kraft & Kirk Allen
Posted at 11:25h, 27 JanuaryOur point was related to the state’s position that “the training” they receive is what they relied upon to authorize police officers to purchase and possess personal firearms under the state’s new and flawed definition of “assault weapons” – clearly, the training had nothing to do with the alleged illegal acts this person participated in. Any person, upon becoming a felon would not be permitted to own a gun, not just this police officer. People other than police officers get extensive training and are not exempted, and people with far less training than police officers are exempted. The entirely of the state deciding which class of person, based on occupation, is authorized to purchase and possess these firearms is completely flawed.
Cody
Posted at 13:54h, 27 JanuaryNow, that explanation makes a whole lot more sense then the first paragraph did at least to me and a couple of friends. I completely understand your point with your explanation.
John Kraft & Kirk Allen
Posted at 14:08h, 27 JanuaryThanks.