I thank our partners in law enforcement for their critical support in this takedown.. In Italian, it translates to "The Family is Everything.". 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. 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. Police also found the drugs out in the open, resulting in possession charges against each of the nine people police found inside, Lorusso said. A baby on the way. On April 2, when the vehicle was stopped in Greene County, police found the 9 kilos of cocaine in a trap compartment in the trunk, Barnett told the judge at Civitellos detention hearing in October. Dave Lucas is WAMCs Capital Region Bureau Chief. Lock 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. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. "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. Keion Kirkley, El Shaquille Douglas, and Daion Morris regularly sold illegal prescription medication (oxycodone and others) over Snapchat by posting pictures and/or videos of pill bottles marked Oxycodone with captions, such as Boots! 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. The ring then . of drugs worth $61 million, $1-million in cash, and arresting 20 people including a minor all allegedly. 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. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ALBANY - A Schenectady man pleaded guilty Monday to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing and conspiring to distribute marijuana, federal prosecutors said. Drug Bust on Highway Leads to 8 Years In State Prison (1-30-18 P v Shamel Greene) Michael Carr Sentenced for Colonie Car Crash (1-30-2018 P v Michael Carr) Guilty Plea for Illegal Weapon Charge (1-26-18 P v RONDUE GENTRY) . WAMC Northeast Public Radio | or redistributed. All rights reserved. A fifth indictment also charges two Uptown Associates with weapons possession. The transfer took place when both Civitellos were receiving unemployment benefits "dubiously claiming" they had lost their jobs at the father's company, prosecutors said. The shooting at a Dix Avenue home early Thursday morning stemmed from an earlier argument at another location, police said Friday. The Democrat announced that the Office of National Drug Control Policy has heeded his call and granted Schenectady Countys request to be designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. 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. In addition to the listed partners, Attorney General James would like to thankGloversville Police Detective Brian Knecht, who worked under the supervision of Gloversville Police Chief Anthony Clay and Detective Lieutenant Richard Richardson, as well as Fulton County District Attorney Chad W. Brown for their assistance in this investigation. CALIFORNIA DRUG BUST NETS STUNNING HAUL . We will not stand for it. This case is a good example of how drug dealers have no jurisdictional boundaries and they actually try and use those boundaries to further criminal activity, saidJohnstown Police Chief David Gilbo. 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 together. By, In Albany, Sen. Schumer launches new effort to counter opioid epidemic, Berkshire DA: sedative that can increase overdose risk has been found in local opioids, A federal judge sides with 3 major drug distributors in a landmark opioid lawsuit. The case is being prosecuted by OAG OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Andrew McElwee, under the supervision ofOCTF Upstate Deputy Bureau Chief Maria Moran. 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. A cat cafis coming to Rotterdam. 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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. Attorney General Letitia James said they distributed heroin. SCHENECTADY A city police drug raid last week resulted in the arrest of nine people on drug charges, authorities said. Have a question about Government Services? ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10) The New York Attorney General's Office has announced the indictment of 54 members of a drug trafficking ring. He has pleaded not guilty. "This transfer reinforces the governments argument that the defendant is involved in drug trafficking activities with his father," Barnett said. Thus, the group of problem methamphetamine users is the central target of Czech public health policy related to psychotropic substances and of drug policy as a whole. A locked padlock Legal Statement. I am glad to see the results of the coordinated efforts by the New York attorney generals Organized Crime Task Force, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Albany Police Department to arrest these individuals who have caused significant trauma, not only to the families who have lost a loved one, but also to the many individuals and families who live in our neighborhoods and have concerns for their own safety. Those charged in todays indictment include: Walter Allen, 51 years old, Gloversville, NYDarnell Alston, 49 years old, Gloversville, NYZionna Belknap, 21 years old, Gloversville, NYEverett Russell Bishop, 48 years old, Wilton, NYToni Borromeo, 45 years old, Gloversville, NYSahib Braan, 30 years old, Troy, NYOctavius Brooks, 24 years old, Binghamton, NYLamar Brown, 35 years old, Gloversville, NYChristopher Clark, 39 years old, Amsterdam, NYLawrence Cross, 34 years old, Gloversville, NYDaniel Degnan, 30 years old, Gloversville, NYStephen Dingman, 27 years old, Gloversville, NYFloyd Everson, 47 years old, Port Jefferson, NYMegan Grubb, 32 years old, Gloversville, NYAlex Hanson, 26 years old, Potsdam, NYSean Hines, 38 years old, Gloversville, NYTina Jackson, 49 years old, Gloversville, NYRyan Jacques, 40 years old, St. Regis Falls, NYMiguel John, 26 years old, Saratoga Springs, NYDonald Johnson, 39 years old, Johnstown, NYJohn Kaminski, 43 years old, Fort Johnson, NYChristopher Kippen, 41 years old, Schenectady, NYAdam Krzeski, 37 years old, Gloversville, NYMichael Kuntzsch, 33 years old, St. Johnsville, NYThomas Laverpool, 30 years old, Brooklyn, NYAndre Lewis, 52 years old, Gloversville, NYDylan Mailloux, 30 years old, Little Falls, NYKenneth McKiver, 29 years old, Gloversville, NYErnest McMikle, 35 years old, Gloversville, NYShakona Mikula, 25 years old, Gloversville, NYDonovan Millhouse, 25 years old, Gloversville, NYChristopher Millington, 37 years old, Gansevoort, NYChristian Mitchell, 33 years old, Troy, NYKhalif Mitchell, 35 years old, Hudson, PAAdonta Moore, 24 years old, Gloversville, NYBrianna Nichols, 25 years old, Gloversville, NYBarbara Parker, 47 years old, Gloversville, NYWayne Platt, 37 years old, Gloversville, NYGeorge Ramson, 43 years old, Rotterdam, NYDalton Remines, 28 years old, Galway, NYJacquelynn Ross, 36 years old, Gloversville, NYDashawn Rowland, 27 years old, Gloversville, NYTessa Taylor, 26 years old, Mayfield, NYJordan Thomas, 23 years old, Troy, NYJaviel Tirse, 41 years old, Gloversville, NYSteven VanAllen, 43 years old, Gloversville, NYRoss VanAlstyne, 26 years old, Gloversville, NYClinton Waddell, 39 years old, Middle Grove, NYLaquan Warren, 26 years old, Brooklyn, NYChristopher Williams, 53 years old, Gloversville, NYHassan Wilson, 31 years old, Gloversville, NYJamar Wright, 38 years old, Johnstown, NY. Official websites use .gov 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. His son is expected to be arraigned at a later date. This collaboration among the various law enforcement agencies sends a clear message that law enforcement will rise to the challenge and protect our communities. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. And that was more than six months ago," Barnett told the judge. 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. He also agreed to forfeit more than $400,000 in proceeds from the marijuana conspiracy, prosecutors said. Photos show Civitello working on construction sites and posing with family members. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. My office will continue to pursue and hold accountable anyone who violates the law. Attorney General Letitia James said they distributed heroin laced with fentanyl, powder and crack cocaine, and methamphetamine to Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Warren counties. The suspects left the drugs in a rental car they had returned, police say. That means just about every other day. Contact him at rgavin@timesunion.com. Thank you to the attorney general for her leadership and to all involved who work towards bringing those who cause harm to justice., My message to violent criminals continues to be clear: If you possess an illegal gun in Albany, we will do everything in our power including partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities to find you, arrest you, and put you in jail for a very long time, said City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. All rights reserved. Nicole Keary is the Deputy Attorney General in Charge of OCTF. Schenectady father, son eyed in Mafia-linked cocaine investigation, DEC finds 14-foot python in New York suburb, National Grid moving to restore power after heavy snows, Former brewmaster at Druthers brewpubs wants look at books, Kingston barber who flouted Cuomo wins back license. Five Saratoga County residents were arrested in a major drug trafficking bust announced on Wednesday by Attorney General Letitia James. 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 Office of Attorney General does not make any promises, assurances, or guarantees as to the accuracy of the translations provided. . The raid happened just before 7:30 p.m. last Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 705. Main Office: "Its no secret how badly and for how long the government sought the indictment of my clients father, attempting to cooperate anyone and everyone with even a passing knowledge of him including his own son in their efforts," said Lichtman, whose high-profile clients have included Sinaloa drug cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera, John A. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 18 Swept Up in Rockland Undercover Drug Operation - New City, NY - Scores of undercover drug buys, including oxycodone, cocaine and heroin, in Clarkstown, Orangetown, Haverstraw, Ramapo and Stony . 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 year-long investigation led to the seizure of approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 14 grams of heroin, four handguns, and $25,000 in cash. TwoNew Yorkmenwere taken into custody aftertheyallegedly leftdrugs inarental carand returnedto pick up theirforgotten stash,theAlbany County Sheriffs Office says. ALBANY A Schenectady man pleaded guilty Monday to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing and conspiring to distribute marijuana, federal prosecutors said. Menu penelope loyalty quotes. The Division for Criminal Justice is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jos Maldonadoand overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. The elder Civitello's lawyer, Eric Galarneau, declined to comment. 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. 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. Police Blotter: June 18, 2022. ALBANY, NEW YORK Six men were arrested and appeared in court today on charges of distributing drugs in the city of Schenectady, New York. Fax: 315-448-0689. The 376-count indictment unsealed today in Fulton County Courtcharges the defendants with various counts of Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A, B, C, D felonies) and Conspiracy in the Second Degree (class B felony). 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. The second conspiracy centers around the Downtown Associates gang and the leader of this drug distribution network: Tyshawn Morris, a/k/a Mac. Morris also employed a large network of sellers and resellers who primarily operated in Albany, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties. . Several Civitello relatives were in court Thursday. Coleman was not permitted to possess the firearm due to a prior felony drug conviction, prosecutors said. Understanding Recent Changes to New Yorks Gun Laws, 54 Individuals Indicted for Roles in Distributing Heroin, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine. The prosecutor said theCoinbase figure was nearly all traced to a transfer of $101,440 from Civitello's father to him. Two days later, the same men who met the Civitellos in Schenectady were inside the SUV when authorities stopped the vehicle in Greene County. 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.. It depends, Albany Sheriff: Pair arrested for illegal gun possession, Crossgates Mall opening at noon due to weather, Snow begins falling in Capital Region during latest, DEC: Anglers hoard panfish in catch and release area, New area code coming to the Hudson Valley, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Christopher Millington, 37, of Gansevoort, Christopher Williams, 53, of Gloversville. 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. Overall, 53 percent (i.e., 1,128) of all persons arrested because of primary drug crimes (possession, production, trafficking, etc.) The raid was one of two last week that resulted in multiple arrests, records show. Thesedont appear to have been difficultarrestsfor police to make. ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) The New York Attorney Generals Office has announced the indictment of 54 members of a drug trafficking ring. Drug bust uncovers enough fentanyl to kill 800K people 28 lbs. Today, we are putting an end to their efforts that put New Yorkers in harms way. The prosecutor described Civitello and his 50-year-old father, Jeffrey Civitello Sr., who owns a construction company located in the same building where the raid took place, as sophisticated drug dealers with numerous criminal associates. The firearm charge against Carr was investigated by the Schenectady County Sheriffs Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). The defendants and their co-conspirators frequently utilized coded and cryptic terminology in an attempt to disguise their illicit activities. And that means 300 deaths in the last two years. "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. Muhammad Coleman, 42, of Schenectady, pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in Albany. schenectady drug bust 2021william paterson university application fee waiver. 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.". The investigation codenamed Operation Garage Days includedcovert surveillance and hundreds of hours of wiretaps over numerous targeted phones. For example, the resources in this investigation were leveraged to prevent multiple home invasions that suspects from other communities intended to commit in Gloversville. 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. 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. These individuals have allegedly flooded our streets with dangerous narcotics and are responsible for many of the shootings that have been at the center of this devastation. Dangerous drugs have devastated too many communities throughout our state and claimed too many lives, saidAttorney General James. At the hearing, Barnett said Civitello had been using the Jeep every day and was well aware that it had been seized. These indictments illustrate a message that criminal activity will be investigated and prosecuted. During the course of the investigation, investigators intercepted communications in which Sahib Braan, Miguel John, Christian Mitchell, and Jordan Thomas plotted and attempted a home invasion robbery of a rival narcotics trafficker in Gloversville. Google Translate cannot translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. Both the Investigations Bureau and OCTF are part of the Division for Criminal Justice. Dave began his radio career as a morning personality at WABY in Albany. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS As part of his plea, he agreed to forfeit cash in the amount of nearly $320,000 and nine items of jewelry collectively worth more than $100,000 that agents seized in October, prosecutors said. Market data provided by Factset. of cocaine found in wheels of traveler's wheelchair at airport Legal blow for Chicago's Sinaloa Cartel wives Halloween warning:. The drug bust was the largest in Cayuga County in a decade, police said. Five men are facing up to 25 years each in prison, after a major drug bust operation on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane ahead of schoolies. Anyone relying on information obtained from Google Translate does so at his or her own risk. The investigation started in April 2021, and focused on two people Auburn police said are gang leaders: Nicholas Neville . When theyarrived to investigate the discoverymade by its employees, they encountered Aasim Hilts and Shariff Frasier, police say. 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. "We look forward to a hard-fought trial and vindication of Jeffrey Jr.". A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The influx of illegal weapons and drugs in our communities has left many people scared to even be outside in Albany. The Warren County Sheriffs Office is looking to identify the person police believe is involved in a theft that occurred at Jims Wine & Liquor. 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. Read More. We have shown through this collaborative effort that law enforcement will rise to the challenge and protect our communities. 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). What to know. You can cancel at any time. 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. 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. As a prior felon, the elder Civitello is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm. That was a close call. Robert Gavin covers state and federal courts, criminal justice issues and legal affairs for the Times Union. The year-long investigation led to the seizure of about two kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 14 grams of heroin, four handguns, and $25,000 in cash. Barnett said investigators seized more than $856,000, including $407,545 found in Civitello's apartment, another $319,387 found in the home of a relative alleged to be a co-conspirator and an additional $128,860 in Coinbase cryptocurrency. He also admitted to possessing about 20 pounds of marijuana and a 10 mm handgun when DEA agents searched his house in October, prosecutors said. The elder Civitello, the owner of Focus Construction in Schenectady, has a prior conviction for cocaine trafficking and money laundering. station road cafe sudbury; yokosuka middle school student dies. Civitello is now on his third and fourth attorneys, Syracuse-based attorneys Robert G. Wells and Derek S. Andrews. Credit Solution Experts Incorporated offers quality business credit building services, which includes an easy step-by-step system designed for helping clients build their business credit effortlessly. 100 South Clinton Street Charged with prostitution, a misdemean. An official website of the United States government. The Office of Attorney General's website is provided in English. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. In one photo, a tattoo is visible on Civitello's arm which states: "La Famiglia e tutto." joe and the juice tunacado ingredients; pickleball courts brentwood; tornado damage in princeton, ky; marshall county inmate roster; schenectady drug bust 2021. Dangerous drugs have devastated too many communities throughout our state and claimed too many lives, saidJames.