A former Erie County assistant district attorney has pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally possessing firearms while using controlled substances.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced on Thursday that 30-year-old Delenci Shannon-Brown of Buffalo entered the guilty plea before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. to one count of unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to federal prosecutors, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI began investigating Shannon-Brown in July 2024. Investigators conducted a controlled sale of K2, also known as Spice, involving Shannon-Brown on July 24, 2024.
Later that day, deputies stopped Shannon-Brown’s vehicle and transported him to the Sheriff’s Office, where he consented to a sobriety test. Authorities said the test determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs.
During a search of the vehicle, investigators recovered a pistol and a bag containing K2/Spice.
Two days later, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Shannon-Brown’s Buffalo residence. Prosecutors said the search uncovered approximately 11.8 pounds of marijuana, a loaded pistol, New York State court documents related to grand jury proceedings and a case file, an assistant district attorney training manual, and numerous business cards identifying Shannon-Brown as an Erie County assistant district attorney.
As part of his plea agreement, Shannon-Brown admitted that he frequently used marijuana or K2/Spice between March and July 26, 2024, and possessed a firearm during that period.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 9 before Judge Sinatra.
