Sign up below to find out about upcoming programs first. "We look forward to a hard-fought trial and vindication of Jeffrey Jr.". are related to methamphetamine use. Select a Language Below/Seleccione el Idioma Abajo. ALBANY A penthouse apartment. Attorneys Robert A. Sharpe, Michael Barnett, and Emily Powers. "Junior" Gotti, the son of the late Gambino crime family boss and, for a period of time, NXIVM leader Keith Raniere, formerly of Halfmoon. News FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation The prosecutor said theCoinbase figure was nearly all traced to a transfer of $101,440 from Civitello's father to him. They noted in a motion that Civitello has no criminal history and strong family ties in Schenectady, lessening his risk of flight. 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 54 are accused of roles in the drug trafficking ring, distributing heroin laced with fentanyl, powder and crack cocaine and methamphetamine, officials said. Methamphetamines in the Czech RepublicHistory and Current Situation 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. However, the "Google Translate" option may assist you in reading it in other languages. 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. 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. 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.. Jeffrey Civitello, 50, and his son, Jeffrey Civitello Jr., 22, were charged in an unsealed indictment alleging that they conspired to move drugs with two men, including reputed Bonanno crime family associate Richard Sinde of Fort Lee, N.J., and Robert Ingraoof Lodi, N.J. 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. The 54 are accused of roles in the drug trafficking ring, distributing heroin laced with fentanyl, powder and crack cocaine and methamphetamine, officials said. 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. 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. Stories About Drug Bust - CBS Baltimore The case is being prosecuted by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General and Senior Counsel Michael Sharpe, with the assistance of Confidential Assistant Stephanie Pitts and Legal Support Analyst AnnaLisa MacPhee, under the supervision of OCTF Deputy Bureau Chief Maria Moran. of cocaine found in wheels of traveler's wheelchair at airport Legal blow for Chicago's Sinaloa Cartel wives Halloween warning:. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. An official website of the United States government. This case also shows the scale of drugs, weapons, and money that travels through our suburban and upstate communities., Drug dealers do not contain their violence and other negative impacts on our communities to specific jurisdictions, saidGloversville Police Chief Anthony Clay. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. 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. Contact him at rgavin@timesunion.com. The investigation dubbed Operation Crosstown Quarantine centered on two rival crosstown gangs in Albany and included the use of physical surveillance, electronic surveillance, and undercover operations. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Two days later, the same men who met the Civitellos in Schenectady were inside the SUV when authorities stopped the vehicle in Greene County. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Google Translate cannot translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The case was investigated by the DEAs Capital District Enforcement Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett. of drugs worth $61 million, $1-million in cash, and arresting 20 people including a minor all allegedly. He also agreed to forfeit more than $400,000 in proceeds from the marijuana conspiracy, prosecutors said. Moriah drug sweep nets 12 suspected dealers - Yahoo! News A cat cafis coming to Rotterdam. 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. 15 arrested, accused in Capital District prostitution sting 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. Neither Civitello was in the car. Months-long drug bust biggest in Toronto police history My office will continue to pursue and hold accountable anyone who violates the law. Read More. You have permission to edit this article. 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. A cat cafis coming to Rotterdam. Washington, D.C. Man Convicted After Nine-Day Trial for Use of a Firearm in Connection with a Murder and a Robbery, and for a Drug Distribution Conspiracy. The Office of Attorney General does not make any promises, assurances, or guarantees as to the accuracy of the translations provided. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York, Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement Policy, Seven Indicted on Schenectady Drug Charges, Syracuse Man Sentenced to More Than Ten Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, New York City Man Indicted for Drug and Gun Offenses, Seven Indicted On Schenectady Drug Charges. 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. Seven Indicted on Schenectady Drug Charges Tuesday, April 2, 2019 For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York ALBANY, NEW YORK - Six men were arrested and appeared in court today on charges of distributing drugs in the city of Schenectady, New York. 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. 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. What to know. The raid was one of two last week that resulted in multiple arrests, records show. The elder Civitello, the owner of Focus Construction in Schenectady, has a prior conviction for cocaine trafficking and money laundering. The individuals are accused in those indictments of trafficking heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and guns. The first indictment contains 521 counts and charges 33 people with crimes in relation to their involvement in the narcotics trafficking operation, including Operating as a Major Trafficker (class A-I felony), Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A, B, and C felonies), as well as Conspiracy in the Second degree (class B felony). The Duncanville Police Department says its narcotics team was investigating the location after receiving a tip. 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. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. At 22, Jeffrey Civitello Jr. appeared to be riding high, but his story took a downward turn on Oct. 21 when federal drug investigators raided his home on the top floor of a Schenectady building on Albany Street and seized 75 pounds of marijuana, loaded weapons and hundreds of thousands of dollars. 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. 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. Booysen and his five co-accused face 96 drug-dealing charges, and the indictment against them showed they were accused of crimes relating to the Mandrax trade, covering February 2013 to November 2017. "We've seen two years of record setting years of opioid deaths," said Schumer. Police Blotter: June 18, 2022. . Fox News Flash top headlines for January 14. Police Blotter | thedailystar.com I thank Attorney General James and her staff for dedicating time and resources to these cases, said Albany County District Attorney David Soares. 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. That means just about every other day. 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. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. Police encourage members of the community to report suspicious drug-distribution-related activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10) The New York Attorney General's Office has announced the indictment of 54 members of a drug trafficking ring. Civitello Sr. has prior federal convictions for cocaine trafficking and money laundering, the prosecutor stated. NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL. He alleged that Civitello and his family are falsely claiming to work at the family business. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Police also found the drugs out in the open, resulting in possession charges against each of the nine people police found inside, Lorusso said. As New Yorkers and Americans across the country witnessed the greatest number of drug overdose deaths in history in 2020, the defendants here were allegedly flooding our streets with the very types of drugs that caused this devastation.. Three people were arrested for alleged drug possession after a traffic stop on Thursday morning. schenectady drug bust 2021. (Albany County Sheriff's Office). The six indictments, returned by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on August 24, 2021,were unsealed today (August 31, 2021). Fax: 315-448-0689. Dave Lucas is WAMCs Capital Region Bureau Chief. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. The elder Civitello's lawyer, Eric Galarneau, declined to comment. police around the globe continue to thwart the illegal efforts of drug traffickers who only find more creative ways to do their jobs. Following an interview with Hilts, he was found to have been in possession of 140 envelopes containing heroin . Members of the 50 Gang range from 18 years old to 25 years old, and they are considered by law enforcement to be responsible for numerous drive-by shootings and homicides that have been plaguing the City of Albany over the past year, including the recent fatal shooting of an 18-year-old in downtown Albany. Tag: Drug Bust - NBC 7 San Diego 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. Muhammad Coleman, 42, of Schenectady, pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in Albany. Authorities in Germany and Belgium seized more than 23,000 kilograms (50,700 pounds) of cocaine, worth billions of dollars, in an international operation that resulted in one arrest, officials said. Schenectady Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Hate Crime Ring (1-15-2016 P v Paradiso) At the time, the Times Union reported that both Civitellos were under federal investigation for their alleged drug trafficking. Central NY bust leads to 16 arrests, 77,000 fentanyl pills, 2 kilos of Press Releases - Albany County DA Northern District of New York Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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. 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. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Czech Police Seize $83 Million Dollars In Cocaine Sent To Supermarkets The Democrat announced that the Office of National Drug Control Policy has heeded his call and granted Schenectady County's request to be designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area . Police and court records identified those charged as: Jeremy Ozuna, 24, of the Bronx; Nathan Lawyer, 24, of Schenectady; Jose A. Padilla, 56, of Second Avenue, Schenectady; Kora N. Kluge, 28, of 705 Orchard St., Schenectady; Frankie Delannoys, 22, of the Bronx; Robin Gwinn, 54, of 705 Orchard St., Schenectady; Joseph Mejas, 24, of the Bronx; Navasia Degroate, 33, of Robinson Street, Schenectady; and Emanu Gonzalez-Francis, 19, of Jefferson Street, Schenectady. 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. Two people were arrested Monday on drug charges after police responded to a suspicious odor complaint. 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. Deputieswere first contacted by a rental car company at Albany International Airport on Wednesday. The Daily Gazette: Schenectady prostitution bust nets eight arrests The Schenectady County Sheriff's Office announced its participation in this year's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which provides and opportunity for the public to safely dispose of expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs. Schumer addressed the issue during a rally with local advocates in June at the Addictions Care Center of Albany, promising to use his clout to get funding flowing to the Capital Region. 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. Attorney General James Announces Takedown of Major Drug Trafficking