Man Arrested for Narcotics in Richmondville

State Police in Cobleskill arrested a man following a traffic stop on Interstate 88 in the Town of Richmondville on April 13, 2017. Troopers arrested Caleb M. Neely, age 27 of Olean New York, charging him with one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th. The arrest came following a traffic stop, during the stop further investigation revealed that Neely was in possession of narcotics. Neely was issued an Appearance Ticket to appear in the Town of Richmondville Court on May 3, 2017 at 4:00 PM.

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Board of Supervisors Hears Report on Youth Drug Addiction

On Friday, October 21st the County Board of Supervisors heard a report from Norine Hodges at the Schoharie County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, or SCCASA. She presented as part of the organization's twelve year strategic plan intended to take place between 2006 and 2018.

Over the last ten years the group has been attending local schools with the goal of reducing alcohol and drug use by 85% during the twelve years. The organization works with the Cobleskill-Richmondville, Schoharie, and Middleburgh Central School districts to monitor the amount of substance abuse and other key factors affecting young people. It also works with Jefferson and Sharon Springs on other programs to prevent drug addiction.

The agency has worked on a number of programs, including staff trainings, parent training, and adult presentations. Currently, there is one full time and two part time staff members, with flat state funding since 2006. Hodges asked the County Board to request more funding from the state.

According to Hodges' presentation, approximately 45-50% of students believe in positive factors that help prevent drug addiction. She was proud to present that this year represents the first group of students graduating that went K-12 through the program.

The statistics are stark. In 2006 almost half of local 12th graders had friends that used drugs. In 2013, the most recent statistics available, that number had fallen to 29.4%. There was a similar story with 8th graders that used alcohol in the past 30 days. In 2006, that number was 31%. In 2013 it was 14%. In 2006 66% of 12th graders had used alcohol in the previous month, with 51.5% using it in 2013.

Hodges cited heroin as a major issue for the area. She said that opiod treatment "restructures the brain." She referred to opiate addiction as a "cognitive disease." She also mentioned a twenty year cycle of opiod drug use in the County that overlapped with the age of Oxycontin. Hodges said that in many ways, doctors were penalized for not prescribing painkillers.

New anti-opiod drugs help, Hodges said, but often the problem are parents that are addicted. Their children are often in foster care. Such cases have doubled in Schoharie County. She would like to increase communication between doctors and treatment options. There are currently two drug drop-off stations in the county, including one at the Cobleskill Police Station. Typically, the group collects a hundred pounds of meds per pickup. She also cited concern about sharps, including needles, around the area.

Supervisor Leo McAllister of Cobleskill recommended presentations at every town meeting. Supervisor Larry Bradt of Carlisle complimented SCCASA and asked where the drugs were coming from. Hodges replied that the former drug center in the area was Schenectady, but recently has been Syracuse. Both agreed that sealing the border with Mexico would help the problem. Hodges said that another investigator would help handle the problem. Ultimately, the supply would keep coming but Hodges said that important action could be taken to lower the demand, as well.

"We're at a crossroads," she said.

Supervisor Chris Tague of Schoharie said he was "impressed by the staff" of SCCASA. He asked what the Board could do to help. The Board members agreed to send a letter to the state requesting more funding for the agency.

Next Addiction Group Meeting Sept 19th

The next meeting for those affected by drug and alcohol abuse will be held on Monday, September 19th. The meeting will be held next to Catholic Charities building at 483 West Main Main Street in Cobleskill. The meeting is held between 6:30 and 7:30. For more information call 234-8705.

More information can be found on the Schoharie County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse's Facebook page.

State Police arrest Jefferson Man for DWAI Drugs

State Police in Cobleskill arrested a Jefferson man charging him with DWAI Drugs, following the report of a reckless operator on State Route 7 in Cobleskill.

Troopers arrested Damien B. Harley, age 26, after the vehicle he was driving was stopped for Vehicle and Traffic Violations. Harley submitted to sobriety tests administered by a Drug Recognition expert which he subsequently failed. Harley was issued traffic tickets to appear in the Town of Cobleskill Court on September 13, 2016 at 5:30 PM.

Middleburgh Man Sentenced to Six Years for Selling Heroin

A Middleburgh man was sentenced to six years in prison for dealing heroin. Scott Kossow, 31, was arrested last October for selling drugs. At that point he was charged with three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Kossow had been arrested with another Middleburgh resident in 2013 for heroin possession. He had been charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second-degree.

Kossow was sentenced by Schoharie County Judge George Bartlett. He had been arrested after an investigation by the County Sheriff's Department and the NYS Police New York State Police Community Narcotics Team.

Support Group Formed to Help Families Affected by Addiction

A new group has been formed to help Schoharie County residents facing issues related to addiction. The timing of this movement is especially important after the three heroin deaths last week. The first meeting of the group will be on Monday, September 19th, 2016 from 6:30pm-7:30pm at 489 West Main Street, Cobleskill-- the building next to Catholic Charities.

The move coincides with the Sheriff's Department's new confidential tip line regarding substance abuse issues. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

 More information can be found on the Schoharie County Emergency Services Facebook page. Further information about efforts to end local addiction can be found at the Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Facebook page.

Heroin Arrest in Schoharie

On December 11, 2014 State Police in Cobleskill arrested a Middleburgh man on multiple charges following the report of a vehicle off the roadway on State Route 443 in the Town of Schoharie.

 Troopers arrested Noel Ortiz age 37 of Middleburgh and charged him with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree. State police allege that Ortiz was the operator of a vehicle that drove off the roadway, during investigation it was determined that Ortiz had a suspended driver’s license and was in possession of heroin. Ortiz was arraigned and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on cash bail.

Police Respond to Heroin Overdose

On November 29, 2014, State Police in Cobleskill responded to a residence in Middleburgh for a report of a possible drug overdose. Upon arrival they found an unconscious 30 year old female with shallow breathing who had recently injected heroin. Troopers on scene administered one dose of intranasal Naloxone which revived the victim. The female was transported via ambulance to St. Peter's Hospital in Albany for further treatment.

State Police Arrest Jersey Man for Marijuana Possession

New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill have announced the arrest of a New Jersey man for possession of marijuana. 

Thomas C. Dagostino, 51, of Monroe, New Jersey, was stopped on I-88 near exit 23 in Schoharie for speeding on Monday afternoon. Upon interviewing the suspect, an odor of marijuana was detected inside the vehicle by State Police on scene. 

A search of the vehicle yielded approximately 7.6 grams of marijuana in a plastic bag, as well as a metal grinder, metal pipe, and a brown wooden box all with marijuana residue.

Dagostino was issued an Appearance Ticket and Traffic Tickets returnable to the Town of Schoharie Court on August 11th.

Man Arrested for Possessing Hypodermic Needle

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department has announced its second drug related arrest of Middleburgh residents this week.

Sheriff's Deputies arrested forty-two year old Joseph Panetta on Monday, July 21st for Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument in the Town of Schoharie. 

Mr. Panetta was detained by the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office after an investigation by the Schoharie County Probation Department discovered he was in possession of the illegal instrument. 

The suspect was arraigned in the Town of Schoharie Court and was released to appear back at a later date. 

Two Middleburgh Teens Arrested for Pot Possession

In a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, the Schoharie County Sheriff's Department announced the arrest of two Middleburgh teenagers who were found to be in possession of marijuana in the valley community. 

Joshua McDonnell, 18, and an unnamed seventeen year old girl, were both arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana on Friday, July 18th, while parked on Mill Valley Road in the Town of Middleburgh. 

They would be subsequently released on appearance tickets to come before the Middleburgh Town Court at a later date. The female's name was withheld by the Schoharie News due to her status as a minor and to spare any embarrassment. 

Coby Police Arrest Two for Sale of Heroin

The Cobleskill Police Department has announced that, in conjunction with the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), they have arrested two adults for the alleged sale of heroin in the Village of Cobleskill. 

At approximately 4:35 pm on Tuesday July 1st, Cobleskil Police arrested and charged twenty-year old Leland W. Pitt and twenty-five year old Jeana I. Motler, both of Seward, with 1 count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B Felony. 

During an on-going joint investigation, it was learned that the suspects were allegedly involved in the sale and possession of heroin. The information was developed and led to a purchase of the drug being made from Pitt and Motler during a joint "buy/bust" operation with CNET. 

Both suspects were arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $25,000.00 cash bail or $75,000.00 bond. Both are to return to Town of Cobleskill Court on July 7th at 11:00 am for further action.

This is the latest in a series of drug related arrests made by the Cobleskill Police and CNET team, most of which have involved the criminal sale and possession of heroin and other illegal narcotics. 

Anyone with further information regarding this incident, or with any information on drug activity in the Cobleskill community, is urged to contact Chief Rich Bialkowski at 518-234-2923. Any information provided will be kept confidential.   

Richmondville Man Arrested for Possession of Heroin

New York State Police have announced the arrest of twenty year old Leland W. Pitt of Richmondville, New York for possession of heroin after he was pulled over on I-88 for unrelated reasons on Thursday, June 12th. 

Troopers stopped the suspect in Duanesburg for an equipment violation at approximately three thirty that afternoon, when the officer on scene observed Mr. Pitt attempting to hide something on his person. A search of the driver and vehicle revealed the suspect was in possession of three decks of heroin.

Mr. Pitt was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a misdemeanor, and was subsequently released on tickets. He is scheduled to appear in Town of Duanesburg Court on Monday, July 7th at 7:00 p.m. 

Dangerous New Form of Heroin Infecting Area

A new, more easily-addicted form of heroin is making its first appearances in Schoharie County. Most likely coming from sources in Utica, New York City, and Albany, this new type is easily concealable and avoids visible effects of heroin use, such as track marks.

Sublingual heroin has gained in popularity nationwide over the last decade. So called because it can be put into pill or film form and placed under the tongue. The veins under the tongue can carry the drug through the blood stream rapidly and without need for a needle. This does result in a smaller "high" but has the advantage of being far less traceable and more portable.

Due to heroin's low cost, this type of heroin could rapidly become a major form of the drug. While sublingual heroin has not overtaken that delivered by the needle, it will likely become a major secondary version of the opiate.

While there have been no specific arrests for sublingual heroin, sources indicate that it has reached Schoharie County. Major recent drug arrests could make a dent in its expansion as the Cobleskill Police Department has taken the lead in combating heroin, among other drugs.

Cobleskill Police Nab Second Heroin Arrest

The Cobleskill Police Department has announced that, in conjunction with the New York State Police Community Narcotics Team (CNET), they have arrested twenty year old Mouro Sow of Spencer, New York for allegedly selling heroin in the Village of Cobleskill. 

State Troopers apprehended the suspect around 4:40 pm Friday afternoon in the Town of Spencer after New York State Police Troop C was notified of arrest warrants for the man originating from the Cobleskill Police Department. Sow was turned over to local law enforcement for further action.

During an ongoing joint investigation, it was discovered that Sow was allegedly in possession and selling heroin. As the information was developed it led to two separate purchases of the illegal drug on at least two occasions from the suspect. This marks the second such arrest in as many weeks by Cobleskill Police. 

Sow was charged with two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B Felonies. He was arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill Court and was subsequently remanded to Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $10,000.00 cash bail or $30,000.00 bond. He is to return to Town of Cobleskill Court on Tuesday, May 26 at 4:00 pm for further action.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident, or with any information on drug activity in the Cobleskill community, is urged to contact Sgt. Rich Bialkowski at 518-234-2923. Any information provided will be kept confidential.

Cobleskill Police Arrest Suspect for Selling Heroin

Following a joint investigation with the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), the Cobleskill Police Department Friday announced the arrest of Tahshiem M. Green, 24, of Cobleskill on two counts of the Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, class B Felonies. 

It was discovered over the course of an on-going investigation that Green was allegedly involved in the sale and possession of Heroin. The information was developed by law enforcement officers and led to two separate purchases of the illegal substance from the suspect in Cobleskill. 

Green was arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill Court and was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $15,000.00 cash bail or $30,000.00 bond. The suspect is to return to Town of Cobleskill Court on May 20th at 4:00 pm for further action.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident, or with any information on drug activity in the Cobleskill community, is urged to contact Sgt. Rich Bialkowski at 518-234-2923. Any information provided will be kept confidential.

Seward to Host Training For Lifesaving Heroin Overdose Medication

ONEONTA, 05/01/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) announced Wednesday that he will be hosting a free heroin/opioid overdose prevention training class on Wednesday, May 7th at the FoxCare Center in Oneonta.

“A key aspect in the short term battle against heroin and opioid abuse is preventing overdose deaths,” said Senator Seward.  “Training more individuals to administer the overdose reversal medicine Naxolone or Narcan will save lives, that’s why I am sponsoring this event and will be among those taking the class on May 7^th .”

Narcan is a prescription medicine which can be administered nasally and can revive someone who is overdosing.  Currently, in order to obtain this life-saving medication, you must complete a brief training class.

Senator Seward will be partnering with Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc., and Otsego County Addiction Recovery Services to conduct a free training class that meets New York State Department of Health requirements.  Participants will receive a certificate of completion and an emergency resuscitation kit that includes Narcan.  

Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc., Executive Director Jeanette Tolson said, “Offering public trainings about preventing overdose from opioids is a critical step in combating this complicated problem.  A community effort bringing together individuals in recovery and their families, friends and allies is essential in long term solution development.”

Otsego County Chemical Dependency Program Manager Justin Thalheimer said, “Narcan is already saving lives and it is a matter of time before it saves a life here if it has not already.  Senator Seward’s assistance in highlighting this emergency treatment is a significant step in educating the public.” 

Senator Seward is a member of the Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction.  He recently hosted a roundtable discussion to solicit input from local experts on the rise in use of heroin and other opioids.  Similar forums are being held across the state, and the task force will use the findings to help develop legislation that will be advanced during this legislative session.

“A comprehensive approach is needed to combat the rise in heroin use, which has reached epidemic proportions.  Better education programs, improved insurance coverage for treatment, avenues to help recovering addicts find a job, and stronger criminal penalties for heroin dealers are all under consideration,” added Seward.

The rise in heroin use and the deadly effects of the drug are well documented.  A 2012 federal survey on drug use and health reported that the number of people who said they used heroin in the past 12 months rose from 373,000 people in 2007 to 669,000 people in 2012.

The heroin/opioid overdose prevention class will take place on Wednesday, May 7^th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Wellness Conference Room, FoxCare Center in Oneonta.  The training is free and open to the public.  Space is limited and pre-registration is strongly recommended online at www.senatorjimseward.com or by calling (607) 432-5524. 

Cobleskill Drug Bust Nets Two Arrests, Meth Ingredients and Equipment Seized

The Cobleskill Police Department, New York State Special Operations Response Team and additional law enforcement agencies conducted a successful drug bust in the Village of Cobleskill on Wednesday morning that netted two arrests and the seizure of Methamphetamine ingredients and equipment from the suspects location.

Christopher Clark Wood of Richmondville, who was charged with the Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine and as a Fugitive of Justice for similar charges in Tennessee (Cobleskill Police Department, WTEN)

From WTEN:

During an investigation into the sale of controlled substances in the Cobleskill area, information was developed that Christopher Clark Woods was involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine at the residence of Laura K. Kieru. A search warrant was eventually issued for the residence.

Christopher Clark Woods, 27, of Richmondville, was arrested and charged with one felony count of Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, and also charged as a Fugitive of Justice. Woods was found to be wanted by the Obion County Sheriff's Office in the State of Tennessee for violation of Probation for the crime of Promotion of Methamphetamine.

Woods was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility without bail.

Laura K. Kieru, 28, of Cobleskill was arrested and charged with one count of felony Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, and one count of Conspiracy.

Kieru was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $5,000.00 cash bail or $10,000.00 bond.

Both defendants will go before the Town of Cobleskill Court on December 3rd at five p.m. The investigation is still ongoing and more charges may be brought forward, but it represents yet another successful investigation by Chief Larry Travis' department in their campaign against urban drugs moving into our local communities.

Community Pipeline Meeting on Monday December 2, 2013 at 7PM inside of the Radez Elementary School Gym located on 319 Main Street, Richmondville, NY. The latest information on the proposed Constitution Pipeline from threats of eminent domain and legal efforts to landowner resistance and the pipeline company's safety record will be provided to the public. This advertisement is sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities and the Stop the Pipeline Schoharie Action Committee

Community Forum to Address Heroin, Pain Medication Addiction November 20th

Have you ever wondered how big of a problem Heroin and prescription pain medication addiction is in Schoharie County and what you can do to help?

The answers to these questions will be available at a community forum on Wednesday, November 20th, 6:30 PM at the Cobleskill Fire Department where a panel of representatives from the judicial system, health care industry, chemical dependency field and other community members will provide information and answer your questions on this increasingly worrisome and relevant topic.

Unfortunately, as revealed by the local police blotter and recent stories showing nearly ten arrests in the past year in Cobleskill for both the sale and possession of Heroin, the vile illegal substance is plaguing our community and raising public concerns over how to slow the growth of its expansion into Schoharie County. 

Another Heroin Arrest in Cobleskill

A 41 year old was arrested for possession of heroin in Cobleskill. This follows another bust just several weeks ago. Joseph Panetta of Cobleskill was arrested and charged with two misdemeanors, possession of a controlled substance and of a hypodermic instrument. He was held in jail and had a court date yesterday.