15 arrested, accused in Capital District prostitution sting (CNYCentral File Photo) . The Office of Attorney General does not make any promises, assurances, or guarantees as to the accuracy of the translations provided. Schenectady Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Hate Crime Ring (1-15-2016 P v Paradiso) The Duncanville Police Department says its narcotics team was investigating the location after receiving a tip. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Now, the Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School graduate is facing federal drug and weapon charges in Albany and is being investigated in a separate cocaine-trafficking case involving a reputed Bonanno crime family associate from New Jersey, according to court papers filed in U.S. District Court. On Thursday, the elder Civitello pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Stewart. On March 31, Sinde, Robert Ingrao, 74, of Lodi, N.J., and a third man, Christopher Kelly, 54, of Brooklyn, met in Schenectady with both Civitello and his father to borrow the Jeep. "Schenectady, along with other areas in the in the Tri Cities, became a place that was for high drug trafficking, because of its proximity to the highway, you can pretty much get on and off you know, very easily," said Porterfield. Toronto Police made the biggest drug seizure in its history after seizing 1,000 kg. SCHENECTADY -- A prostitution ring was busted by city police, with assistance from state troopers, Wednesday, resulting in charges for six women and two men. On Oct. 21, when officers with a federal Drug Enforcement Administration task force raided what they called a penthouse, they found a gun in the first-floor office of Focus Construction, a company owned by the senior Civitello, who as a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing firearms. Today, we are putting an end to their efforts that put New Yorkers in harms way. Attorney General Letitia James said they distributed heroin. "We will have more resources, equipment, technology, intelligence, all of the things that those folks need to make sure that there are preventing loss of life and getting those drug sales out of our streets out of our neighborhoods. He said it took place at a time when both the father and son were receiving unemployment insurance benefits when each was "dubiously claiming" that they had lost their jobs at the father's construction company. The prosecutor said theCoinbase figure was nearly all traced to a transfer of $101,440 from Civitello's father to him. Nicole Keary is the Deputy Attorney General in Charge of OCTF. The raid happened just before 7:30 p.m. last Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 705. A seventh person was already in custody and will be arraigned at a later date. They are accused of possessing heroin, MDMA and cocaine at the location and of selling crack cocaine in Schenectady last month, according to police allegations filed in court. Vincent Morton, 41, of Schenectady, NY; 04/20/21 - Town of Colonie. Please subscribe to keep reading. That's the last year we have data, there are only 120 were recorded in the region between January and September of 2021. Tisdale faces the same charges with two additional counts each of third-degree criminal possession and sale counts related to allegations he sold cocaine in July and on a second occasion in August, according to the police allegations. I thank our partners in law enforcement for their critical support in this takedown.. Thesedont appear to have been difficultarrestsfor police to make. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Two arrested on drug charges at Queensbury motel, Three arrested on drug possession charges after traffic stop, Glens Falls shooting leaves one in critical condition, Warren County Sheriff's Office seeks help identifying suspect in larceny at liquor store, Police: Glens Falls shooting stemmed from earlier argument, Alaskas Iditarod kicks off with ceremonial start. The success of this investigation is the direct result of the hard work done by members of the various agencies involved and shows just how effective law enforcement can be when working beyond their jurisdictional boundaries., This case targeted a trafficking network that was bringing dangerous, illegal narcotics into upstate New York and beyond, with no regard for the damage being done to the local communities, saidState Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen. "This would have been a good time for the defendant to say, 'You know what? Morris is being charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker, which carries a mandatory life sentence in state prison. Google Translate cannot translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. ALBANY A penthouse apartment. Dave Lucas is WAMCs Capital Region Bureau Chief. Those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty: Police Blotter. Legal Statement. Charged with prostitution, a misdemean. Following an interview with Hilts, he was found to have been in possession of 140 envelopes containing heroin . Federal and local law enforcement recovered more than a kilogram of cocaine, half a kilogram of methamphetamine, 14 firearms, and nearly $1.6 million dollars in cash during a drug bust at a two-bedroom home in southeast Dallas last week, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah. Through operations, such as Cross Town Quarantine, we remain committed to working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to ensure that our communities remain safe. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Dangerous drugs have devastated too many communities throughout our state and claimed too many lives, saidJames. He admitted he conspired with others to sell marijuana, including from his residence, from at least May to October 2021, prosecutors said. These indictments illustrate a message that criminal activity will be investigated and prosecuted. Schenectady County District Attorney Bob Carney : "The amount of money that we were suggesting we should apply for which is $100,000 will allow us to at least bring on a crime analyst working at the Capital District Regional Crime Analysis Center, who will be dedicated to trafficking patterns and crime issues in Schenectady County," Carney said. They noted in a motion that Civitello has no criminal history and strong family ties in Schenectady, lessening his risk of flight. Civitello Sr. has prior federal convictions for cocaine trafficking and money laundering, the prosecutor stated. With opioid deaths on the rise across Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer Counties, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is launching a plan to beef up addiction services and fight the flow of drugs into the area. Prior to that he hosted talk shows on WYJB and WROW, including the 1999 series of overnight radio broadcasts tracking the JonBenet Ramsey murder case with a cast of callers and characters from all over the world via the internet. As alleged in the indictment, the central figures in this narcotics distribution network were Brianna Nichols and Michael Kuntzsch, who often worked together to obtain and sell methamphetamine and cocaine in Fulton County. . schenectady drug bust 2021william paterson university application fee waiver. "This transfer reinforces the governments argument that the defendant is involved in drug trafficking activities with his father," Barnett said. Sep. 1MORIAH State Police and other law enforcement agencies say they rounded up a dozen drug dealers in a multi-day raid here. He is set to appear in courtat a later date. Civitello was not in the Jeep at the time, but had been spotted by investigators two days earlier meeting with the three men charged in that case, including Richard Sinde, 56, a reputed Bonanno crime family associate from Fort Lee, N.J, the prosecutor said. The OAGs Investigations Bureau is led by Chief InvestigatorOliver Pu-Folkes. NEW YORK - Over 120 pounds of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine were recovered in New York City, Philadelphia, and Lima, Peru as part of an international drug bust announced Thursday that saw. The Berkshire District Attorney is warning about the presence of a dangerous sedative in the supply of local street drugs. Today, were sending a strong message that we will use all available resources to address violent crime in our neighborhoods and remove any offenders responsible from our streets. The shooting at a Dix Avenue home early Thursday morning stemmed from an earlier argument at another location, police said Friday. The firearm charge against Carr was investigated by the Schenectady County Sheriffs Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The drug bust was the largest in Cayuga County in a decade, police said. The investigators were able to thwart the robbery plot, intercept the would-be robbers, and seize a loaded handgun that they had planned to use. Initiative, a law enforcement effort that brings together state and local law enforcement to target New Yorks growing and often violent heroin, opioid, and narcotics trafficking networks. At the time, the Times Union reported that both Civitellos were under federal investigation for their alleged drug trafficking. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. As alleged in the indictment, the central figures in this narcotics distribution network were Brianna Nichols and Michael Kuntzsch, who often worked together to obtain and sell meth and cocaine in Fulton County. Before joining WAMC, Dave was a reporter and anchor at WGY in Schenectady. February 21, 2023. Prosecutors said another $319,387 was found in a relative's home and that another $128,860 was found in the younger Civitello's Coinbase cryptocurrency account most of it transferred by his father in March 2021. These arrests are further proof that our partnerships with New York Attorney General Letitia James and the FBI are helping enhance public safety, and that we will continue to work alongside one another to bring violent individuals to justice.. The remaining indictments contain 196 counts and charge 14 people with crimes in relation to their involvement in the narcotics trafficking and weapons possession, including Enterprise Corruption (class B felony), Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class B felony), and Criminal Possession of a Weapon (class C, D, and E felonies). Additionally, a seventh person, Trevon Brunson, age 21, of Schenectady, is in state custody and will be arraigned at a later date on charges of distributing heroin. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The OAGs Investigations Division is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes. ALBANY - The owner of a Schenectady construction business and his son were charged in U.S. District Court on Thursday with conspiring to traffic an estimated $600,000 of cocaine in a. Id like to commend Attorney General James for her leadership, as well as her unwavering support to our agency and overall safety of the Albany community.. There, police arrested Lisa M. Medina, 37, of McClyman Street, Schenectady, and Shardar A. Tisdale, 29, of Robinwood Avenue, Rotterdam. Jeffrey Lichtman, a Manhattan attorney representing the younger Civitello, told the Times Union that federal authorities tried unsuccessfully to turn his client against his father. A cat cafis coming to Rotterdam. The defendant faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted of the charges. During the course of the investigation, OCTF was able to establish that numerous members of the Downtown Associates were utilizing Snapchat in order to traffic illegal prescription drugs, namely oxycodone. They each face two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, both felonies, and one misdemeanor count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. The influx of illegal weapons and drugs in our communities has left many people scared to even be outside in Albany. In Italian, it translates to "The Family is Everything.". During the October raid, a gun was found in a safe in a first-floor office of the company, which is in the same building where Civitello Jr. lives. The defendants and their co-conspirators frequently utilized coded and cryptic terminology in an attempt to disguise their illicit activities. The year-long investigation led to the seizure of approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 14 grams of heroin, four handguns, and $25,000 in cash. He has pleaded not guilty. Schenectady County Superior Court for Drug Treatment 612 State Street Schenectady, NY 12305 Phone: 518-285-8401 - Contact: Jennifer Regan. And the prosecutor said the younger Civitello and his father are being investigated in connection with the DEAs seizure on April 2 of 9 kilograms of cocaine found in a hidden compartment of Civitellos blue 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Those charged in the remaining indictments are: KAYONTEE BARTEE, 23 years old, Albany, NY PRINCE CURETON, 28 years old, Albany, NY PEDRO DAVILA, 26 years old, Albany, NY EL-SHAQUILLE DOUGLAS, A/K/A DOLO, 27 years old, Albany, NY ALVIN FOY, A/K/A BHIP, A/K/A CHIP, 18 years old, Albany, NY DREW GREENE, A/K/A/ DRIZZY, A/K/A TAY K, A/K/A SPRAY, 19 years old, Albany, NY NICHOLAS HIGGINS, A/K/A SLICK, 28 years old, Albany, NY KEION KIRKLEY, A/K/A HIT, 22 years old, Albany, NYJAHMERE MANNING, A/K/A SPLASH, 19 years old, Albany, NY ZAEQUIAL SHAW, 19 years old, Albany, NY KYMALE THOMPSON, A/K/A GLO, 18 years old, Albany, NYNEYLON WAGNER, A/K/A LOTO, 19 years old, Schenectady, NYDAION MORRIS, 28 years old, Rensselaer, NY, was charged in a separate, related indictment that was unsealed today containing 13 counts, charging him with Criminal Sale of a Controlled substance (class B felony).ESHAWN BERKLEY, 23 years old, Albany, NY, was charged in a separate, related indictment that was unsealed today containing 36 counts, charging him with Criminal Possession of a Weapon (C, D, and E felonies). The lawsuit accused them of causing a health crisis by distributing 81 million pills over eight years in one West Virginia county ravaged by opioid addiction. NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL. Legal Statement. station road cafe sudbury; yokosuka middle school student dies. ALBANY, NEW YORK Six men were arrested and appeared in court today on charges of distributing drugs in the city of Schenectady, New York. As alleged in the indictments, unsealed in Albany County Court today, this year-long investigation seized nearly 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, 140 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, oxycodone, $40,000 in cash, and nine firearms, including one ghost gun., For the past year, Albany and the surrounding areas have been plagued by violent crime that has terrorized our communities and claimed too many lives, said Attorney General James. Understanding Recent Changes to New Yorks Gun Laws, 47 Individuals Arrested for Pumping Heroin, Cocaine, Oxycodone Into Communities, Illegal Possession of Firearms, Defendants Responsible for Recent Shootings, Violent Crime in Albany, NEW YORK New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the indictment of 47 individuals for their roles in two major drug and firearm distribution networks that trafficked heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and firearms in the Capital Region. However, the "Google Translate" option may assist you in reading it in other languages. Menu penelope loyalty quotes. Barnett said the younger Civitello's 2020 tax return listed his business as "sales" and placed his total income at $66,273. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. After reading about the Czech Republic cocaine bust . We'll know more about it when we get a formal grant, which won't come until August, but also HIDTA debt designation opens the door for Schenectady County to make application for other federal resources and other areas such as addiction control and treatment.". Select a Language Below/Seleccione el Idioma Abajo. A lock ( The case was investigated by the DEAs Capital District Enforcement Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett. The charges in the indictments are merely accusations. joe and the juice tunacado ingredients; pickleball courts brentwood; tornado damage in princeton, ky; marshall county inmate roster; schenectady drug bust 2021. The Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT) announced Tuesday that seven women and 21 men are facing various drug and weapon charges following a multi-month series of. Official websites use .gov Market data provided by Factset. According to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report from 2021, the production of this stimulant has more than doubled over the last 10 years. Contact him at rgavin@timesunion.com. Two people were arrested Monday on drug charges after police responded to a suspicious odor complaint. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Market data provided by Factset. The indictments charge 47 individuals with crimes that include various counts of Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A, B, and C felonies); Conspiracy to commit those crimes; various counts of Criminal Sale and Possession of a Firearm; Criminal Possession of a Weapon; and Enterprise Corruption. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland . Contact him at rgavin@timesunion.com. NEW YORK New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the indictment of 54 members of a drug trafficking ring for their roles in distributing heroin laced with fentanyl, powder and crack cocaine, and methamphetamine to Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Warren counties sourced from New York City dealers. Since launching in 2017, SURGE has taken 644alleged traffickers off the streets. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. WAMC Northeast Public Radio | Todays takedown marks the latest major drug bust in the OAGs Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (S.U.R.G.E.) Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital. As opioid deaths take their toll across Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer Counties, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's plan to beef up addiction services and fight the flow of drugs into the Capital Region has taken a key step. The Times Union previously reported that on Oct. 21, federal drug investigators raided the younger Civitello's penthouse apartment on Albany Street and seized 75 pounds of marijuana, loaded weapons and more than $407,000. Alameda County Task Force Seizes $4.2M Worth of Fentanyl in Massive Drug Bust Detectives in the East Bay say they recently seized a $4.2 million haul of illicit fentanyl in Oakland and Hayward,. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. We will continue to take every action possible to get guns off our streets, and I thank the Albany Police Department, and all our partners in law enforcement, for their support in protecting our communities., Dangerous drugs and weapons have no place in our communities, said Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins. You have permission to edit this article. He alleged that Civitello and his family are falsely claiming to work at the family business. "So I think that that's one of the reasons why people, you know, chose this as an area that they would use for that. Police also raided an address on Crane Street, a business, the day after the Orchard Street raid. NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL. And that means 300 deaths in the last two years. The raid was one of two last week that resulted in multiple arrests, records show. In addition to the usual codes such as referring to crack cocaine as hard and powder cocaine as soft Morris used common street terms for marijuana and to refer to cocaine, in an attempt to confuse law enforcement, in the event they were monitoring his activities. or redistributed. And that was more than six months ago," Barnett told the judge. On March 31, 2021, investigators watched both Civitellos meeting in Schenectady with alleged conspirators, including the reputed mob associate, for the alleged purpose of borrowing the younger Civitello's blue 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. And even from once you get into the Capital Region, it's easy to get to other smaller towns and places like that.". The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration brought out a heavy hitter an informant paid more than $1.9 million over the past two decades for his tips to help agents seize more than seven . Box 7198 A total of 54 people were indicted for their roles in distributing heroin laced with fentanyl, powder and crack cocaine, and methamphetamine to Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Warren counties. Democratic Michelle Ostrelich, who is also running for state Senate in the new 44th district, chairs Schenectady County Legislatures Health, Housing and Human Services Committee. So obviously, it's higher. St. Lawrence County. The elder Civitello, the owner of Focus Construction in Schenectady, has a prior conviction for cocaine trafficking and money laundering. I commend and thank Attorney GeneralLetitiaJames and her offices Organized Crime Task Force agents, the FBIs Safe Streets Task Force members, and Albany Police Department officers for their work in bringing those who flood our local communities with illegal weapons and firearms to justice., Our community, like many others, has struggled with an uptick in violence and too many innocent lives have been taken by gun violence in the Capital City, said State Assemblymember John T. McDonald III. Two days later, the same men who met the Civitellos in Schenectady were inside the SUV when authorities stopped the vehicle in Greene County. The Division for Criminal Justice is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jos Maldonadoand overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. (Albany County Sheriff's Office). Hilts a 26-year-old from Albany has been charged with 10 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, in varying degrees. That was a close call. I thank our law enforcement partners for their support in seeing this through." As a result of the takedown, 78 people were charged with 355 crimes, and $2 million in drugs, including cocaine and . Press Release. A job at a family-run construction company. Deputieswere first contacted by a rental car company at Albany International Airport on Wednesday. The suspects left the drugs in a rental car they had returned, police say. The indictment is part of a joint investigation between the Office of the Attorney Generals Organized Crime Task Force, the Johnstown Police Department, the Gloversville Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, the Amsterdam Police Department, the Schenectady Sheriffs Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New York State Police. everything will be alright in the end quote origin; what does lung cancer breath smell like These cases were investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, with assistance from New York State Police-Troop G, the Schenectady Police Department, the Schenectady County Sheriffs Office, the Schenectady County District Attorneys Office, the Internal Revenue Service, the Albany County Sheriffs Office, the Albany County District Attorneys Office, the Albany Police Department, the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Special Investigations, the Warren County Sheriffs Office, and the Troy Police Department. Five Saratoga County residents picked up in state drug bust. Todays takedown was the result of a joint investigation between the Office of the Attorney Generals (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), the Albany Police Department, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. In 2012, Dave received a Communicator Award of Distinction for his WAMC news story "Fail: The NYS Flood Panel," which explores whether the damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee could have been prevented or at least curbed. During the course of the investigation, in addition to communication by cell phones, the defendants repeatedly relied on social media, specifically Facebook and Snapchat, to sell and procure drugs and brazenly brag and display illegal firearms. The individuals are accused in those indictments of trafficking heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and guns. Police raided 909 Crane St. on Sept. 4, an addressprosecutor Eamonn Neary identified as a business called Flawless Exchange. Northern District of New York ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) The New York Attorney Generals Office has announced the indictment of 54 members of a drug trafficking ring. The State of New York, its officers, employees, and/or agents shall not be liable for damages or losses of any kind arising out of, or in connection with, the use or performance of such information, including but not limited to, damages or losses caused by reliance upon the accuracy of any such information, or damages incurred from the viewing, distributing, or copying of such materials. The drugs were sourced from New York City dealers, according to a news release. Anyone relying on information obtained from Google Translate does so at his or her own risk. Three people were arrested for alleged drug possession after a traffic stop on Thursday morning. The State of New York, its officers, employees, and/or agents shall not be liable for damages or losses of any kind arising out of, or in connection with, the use or performance of such information, including but not limited to, damages or losses caused by reliance upon the accuracy of any such information, or damages incurred from the viewing, distributing, or copying of such materials. Todays takedown was the result of a joint investigation between the Office of the Attorney Generals (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), the Johnstown Police Department, the Gloversville Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, the Amsterdam Police Department, the Schenectady Sheriffs Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New York State Police. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. Rachael Ray's daytime show ending its run, media reports say, Samantha Humphrey case being treated as homicide, Man who shot, skinned dogs told twice they were not coyotes, Union leaders say New York state workforce could see mass exodus, Tour of Utica-area restaurants feels like trip around the world, Author Marianne Williamson becomes 1st Democrat to formally challenge Biden in 2024, Schenectady construction business and his son, Bonanno crime family associate Richard Sinde. Robert Gavin covers state and federal courts, criminal justice issues and legal affairs for the Times Union. We are proud to have worked in partnership with our many law enforcement partners and the Office of the Attorney General to dismantle this organization, and others like it, that do nothing but pollute our communities with addictive and deadly drugs.. Rachael Ray's daytime show ending its run, media reports say, Samantha Humphrey case being treated as homicide, Man who shot, skinned dogs told twice they were not coyotes, Union leaders say New York state workforce could see mass exodus, Tour of Utica-area restaurants feels like trip around the world, Author Marianne Williamson becomes 1st Democrat to formally challenge Biden in 2024.