Clyves Laurent, 30, of Elmont, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision, for possessing a defaced loaded handgun and methamphetamine outside a gas station convenience store in Mount Sinai. The sentence follows his conviction after a jury trial in April.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of the jury’s decision in removing a dangerous criminal from the streets.
“Thanks to the careful consideration of the evidence by the jury, this dangerous criminal has been removed from the streets and will now be in prison for years to come,” said Tierney.
He also commended the vigilance and bravery of the off-duty officer who played a crucial role in Laurent’s apprehension.
The trial revealed that on February 11, 2023, at approximately 1:20 a.m., an off-duty Suffolk County Police Department detective identified Laurent as matching the description of a suspect wanted for a robbery at a Smoke Shop a week earlier. Laurent was observed entering a Mount Sinai Sunoco gas station convenience store wearing a ski mask and exiting quickly without making any purchases.
Suspicious of Laurent’s behavior, the detective noticed a bulge in Laurent’s pants that appeared to be a firearm. When approached, Laurent became combative and refused to keep his hands away from his waistband. The detective called for backup, and upon the arrival of additional officers, Laurent attempted to flee but was quickly subdued. A defaced Glock handgun was found in Laurent’s groin area during the arrest, and further investigation at the Sixth Precinct revealed he was also in possession of methamphetamine.
“This defendant, a previously convicted violent felon, was in possession of a defaced and loaded
handgun when he entered a convenience store with a ski mask on,” Tierney said in a statement.
Laurent was convicted on April 18, 2024, of multiple charges: Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Notably, Laurent had a prior conviction in 2010 for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
Represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society, Laurent received his sentence on May 23, 2024.
Photo: Suffolk DA.
