‘Violent’ felon sentenced to 15 years for possessing firearm, ammunition

A felon who stabbed someone to death while previously incarcerated will spend more than 15 years in prison after law enforcement found him in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge Margaret B. Seymour sentenced Wade Andrew Albright, 43, of Columbia to 188 months in prison and three years of supervised release, according to a news release from the U.S., Attorney’s office for the South Carolina district.

Albright pleaded guilty in November to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Albright’s previous convictions include three counts of second degree burglary, three counts of strong arm robbery, escape, two counts of grand larceny, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and manslaughter.

The last conviction stems from the stabbing death of another inmate while in the S.C. Department of Corrections.

Evidence indicated Albright fled Lexington County Narcotics Enforcement Team, nor NET, officers Nov. 29, 2013, after he saw them approaching his truck at his place of employment. NET set up surveillance for Albright to arrest him for outstanding state warrants for distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine.

NET followed Albright, who eventually Albright gave chase on foot and was later arrested.

Law enforcement found pills, cocaine and marijuana in his possession and in a bag he discarded while running.

Officers also located a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver and rounds of ammunition on him, which they determined was reported stolen in Richland County.

Because of his previous violent felonies, Albright was subject to enhanced penalties.

This story was originally published March 22, 2016 at 3:17 PM with the headline "‘Violent’ felon sentenced to 15 years for possessing firearm, ammunition."