CANTON — The Fifth District Court of Appeals has upheld consecutive sentences totaling almost six years for Shannon Kitts, who was sentenced for drug trafficking and permitting drug abuse in April 2017.
Kitts’ conviction came as the result of a long-term investigation into drug activity at Kitts’ residence in the 200 block of West Sugar Street. Judge Richard Wetzel sentenced Kitts to 71 months in prison.
The appeal alleged that the consecutive sentences were contrary to law. Prosecutor Chip McConville, who argued in support of the sentences, said this is a significant win in the push to shut down drug houses in Mount Vernon.
“This house disturbed the neighborhood with drug activity for more than a year,” he said. “People who allow drug activity on their property must be held accountable.”
McConville noted that his office has put potential buyers into contact with the owner of the Sugar Street home, and continues to push to have it rehabilitated and reintegrated into the neighborhood.
