Sentencing on Illegal Firearm Possessions in Cayuga County Court

Immediate Release- February 4, 2025

Re: Sentencing on Illegal Firearm Possessions in Cayuga County Court

Auburn, NY- District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci announced Walter LEONARD, 45, of Auburn, New York, pled guilty to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C Armed Violent Felony, following the execution of a search warrant in August of 2024. Law enforcement recovered a loaded .380 caliber pistol and more than ½ ounce of cocaine at defendant’s residence. LEONARD was sentenced today, February 4, 2025 before the Hon. J. Budelmann to 7 years determinate followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

Overly DELOACH, 34, of Auburn, New York previously pled guilty to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C Armed Violent Felony, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I Felony, following the execution of a search warrant in August of 2024. During the execution of the warrant at his residence, police recovered more than 8 ounces of cocaine, along with a loaded 9mm pistol. DELOACH was sentenced before the Hon. Thomas G. Leone in January of 2024 to 8 years determinate, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision on each count which will run concurrently by operation of law.

Both defendants were arrested following an investigation into the sale, distribution, and possession of narcotic drugs by members of the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force. These cases were prosecuted by District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci.