Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced a Valley Stream man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison on weapon and drug charges stemming from an October 2020 search of his premises.
Jackson Metellus, 41, was convicted after a jury trial on November 10, 2022, before Judge Christopher Quinn of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a B felony); Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C violent felony); Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (a D felony); Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree (a D felony); Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (an A misdemeanor); and Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia (an A misdemeanor). The defendant was sentenced on Monday to 15 years in prison and five year’s post release supervision.
“This defendant had two illegal handguns in his possession – one loaded – drug paraphernalia, and various drugs intended for sale,” said DA Donnelly. “Some of the drugs, when tested, were determined to be incredibly deadly fentanyl. We are thankful that these lethal drugs did not hit Nassau County streets and that this dangerous individual will be imprisoned and unable to cause any further harm to our communities.”
DA Donnelly said that the defendant, Jackson Metellus, rented the first floor and basement of a home in Valley Stream. On October 13, 2020, at approximately 5:50 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a possible hostage situation at the home. Detectives were later issued a search warrant for the premises, including the basement of the home, where they found a black duffle bag and a loaded 45. caliber semi-automatic pistol.
When police searched the duffle bag, they found a second firearm – a 22. caliber revolver – pills including clonazapem and zolpidem, a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia, and cash. Detectives also found cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl in clear ziplock bags in a utility closet in the basement and ketamine in a safe in the defendant’s bedroom.
The defendant was arrested on October 13, 2020, at the Valley Stream residence by members of the Nassau County Police Department.
Deputy Bureau Chiefs Tova Simpson and Gregory Murphy of the District Court Trial Bureau prosecuted the case while they were members of the Narcotics, Firearms and Gangs Bureau. Metellus represented himself at trial with legal advisor Don Rollock, Esq.