NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – A Richmond man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday for federal drug and weapons offenses.
Court documents reveal that on Feb. 8, 2021, the Newport News Police Department performed a traffic stop shortly after midnight after witnessing 44-year-old Ladrale Anotnio Putney drive the wrong way down a one-way street without any lights.
During the stop, Putney provided an invalid drivers license to officers. Due to the smell of marijuana and visible marijuana leaves, or “shake,” in the vehicle, Putney was temporarily detained.
A search of Putney’s car unveiled approximately 30 grams of cocaine base, three digital scales and narcotics packaging material.
Officers were also able to locate a stolen, loaded handgun, 18 grams of heroin, 10 grams of cocaine base, 2.5 grams of powder cocaine, two small bags of marijuana and approximately $4,308.
Forensic analysis of the substances were able to detect traces of fentanyl mixed into the heroin.
Due to Putney being a previously convicted federal felon, he is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.
Putney pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm on Oct. 13, 2023.
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