Kingston, NY—On October 10, 2024, William Mayo, age 42, of Kingston, was sentenced to fifteen years in state prison for his conviction of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a violent felony, and to five years in state prison for his conviction of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree to run consecutively for a total sentence of twenty years. Mayo was convicted of these and nine related narcotics charges following a jury trial held in May 2024. Mayo has five prior felony convictions, which the Honorable James Farrell, visiting judge from Sullivan County, considered in imposing the sentence.

The conviction arose out of a June 9, 2022 investigation in the City of Kingston which resulted in the execution of a search warrant at William Mayo’s residence in the Town of Esopus. The search uncovered loaded handguns and magazines, large amount of cash, and cocaine. The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police VGNET, which investigates dangerous drug dealers and illegal possession and use of weapons.  

District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji said, “The imposition of the maximum sentence in this case is about recidivism, especially after a multitude of opportunities to change. It also sends a clear message that the deadly combination of illegal firearms and narcotics is unacceptable. We must make the choice to do all that we can for the safety of our young people who often are in the crosshairs of drugs and gun violence.” 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tara Waters and General Felonies Bureau Chief Cindy Murphy at trial. William Weishaupt, who also serves as Chief of Investigations, handled sentencing. Defendant was represented by attorney Kevin Richards. 

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