Gang member already in jail admits to gun, drug charges

SALEM – A Lynn gang member currently serving a seven-year stint in federal prison on gun charges pleaded guilty Wednesday to a host of firearm and narcotic charges involving a 2008 case.Vincent Robert Valenti, 23, last known address of 16 Fearless Ave., Lynn, made his plea to charges of carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, two counts of illegal possession of ammunition, possession of a large capacity device, unlawful possession of Class E substances (oxaprozin and clonidine,) before Salem Superior Court Judge David A. Lowy.Valenti was sentenced to serve four to five years in state prison, concurrent with the federal prison term he is currently serving.Assistant District Attorney Michael Sheehan said he was prepared to show at trial that police had received information concerning a gang member with illegal weapons and were issued a search warrant.On Sept. 17, 2008, police set up surveillance of Valenti’s home and observed him walk out of his apartment and get into a Nissan Maxima with a 20-year-old woman. As he entered the vehicle, police saw him lift his shirt and reportedly saw an illegal weapon in his waistband.Police pulled over Valenti driving the Nissan Maxima on Essex Street near Baldwin Street.Officers said they had prior knowledge that Valenti’s driver’s license had expired and he only had a learner’s permit. They said it was illegal for him to be driving without the company of a person over 21, Sheehan said.During a “pat frisk” police discovered a .45-caliber large-capacity handgun tucked in his waistband, which had four bullets loaded inside.Police then searched his home and found a 12-round clip along with spent shell casings, photos and 25 assorted illegal pills.Police said that Valenti is a member of the “Crips” gang.Detectives Stephen Withrow and Oran M. Wright spearheaded the investigation and arrest.