Former assistant D-A pleads guilty to drug/gun charge

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Delenci Shannon-Brown, 30, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to being and unlawful user of controlled substance in possession of firearm, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office and the FBI began investigating Shannon-Brown in early July 2024. On July 24, 2024, investigators conducted a controlled sale of K2/Spice involving Shannon-Brown. In the late afternoon, deputies conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle. Shannon-Brown was taken to the Sherriff's office where he consented to a sobriety test, which determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. Shannon-Brown was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. During a search of his vehicle, investigators recovered a pistol, and a baggie containing K2/Spice. On July 26, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Shannon-Brown's residence in Buffalo. During the search, they seized 11.8 pounds of marijuana, a loaded pistol, Court documents relevant to New York State Grand Jury minutes and a case file, an Assistant District Attorney training manual, and numerous business cards identifying Shannon-Brown as an Erie County Assistant District Attorney. Shannon-Brown admits that between March and July 26, 2024, he used either marijuana or K2/Spice frequently. In addition, during that time he possessed a pistol.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, and the Erie County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #