Three Arrested on Narcotics Charges

WALTON- Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announces the arrest of three Walton area residents on multiple Drug charges stemming from a narcotics investigation.

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024 members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT), executed a no knock search warrant at a residence located on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton. The warrant was the culmination of a narcotics investigation previously conducted by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

Upon completion of the execution of the warrant. the following arrests were made:

Benjamin A. Pankiewicz, age 43, of the Town of Walton was charged with four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, class B felonies, two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphilia in the second degree, class A misdemeanors; and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree, a class C felony.

Gage S. Pankiewicz, age 22, of the Town of Walton was charged with four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, class B felonies, two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphilia in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor; and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree, a class C felony.

Ashley S. Calabrese, age 37, of the Town of Walton was charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth degree, a class A misdemeanor, four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, class B felonies; two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphilia in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree, a class A misdemeanor, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree, a class C felony.

A quantity of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl as well as various drug packaging and processing equipment also seized, as well as a firearm and approximately $1,000.00 in cash.

All defendants were arraigned in Delaware County Centralized arraignment. In accordance with NYS Bail Reform Legislation, Benjamin Pankiewicz and Gage Pankiewicz were released to reappear at a later date.

Ashley Calabrese was remanded to the Delaware County Jail in lieu of $7,500 bail.

Speaking on the arrests, Sheriff Craig S. DuMond remarked, “I am very proud of the outstanding efforts of my team in an attempt to investigate and eradicate criminal drug dealers who peddle dangerous drugs within our communities. With that being said, it is very frustrating and discouraging to see the courageous efforts of law enforcement being sacrificed on criminals who in turn are simply released to continue their dangerous conduct and create more victims. These examples happen every day throughout NY State. When will the State Legislature wake up and focus their concern on the victims of crime and the safety of our officers rather than their infatuation with criminals?”.