Tag:

Methamphetamine

‘Call Me Daddy' Creepy Church Leader, Soccer Coach Raped Girl Before Kidnapping Her To Mexico ‘Call Me Daddy' Creepy Church Leader, Soccer Coach Raped Girl Before Kidnapping Her To Mexico
‘Call Me Daddy' Creepy Church Leader, Soccer Coach Raped Girl Before Kidnapping Her To Mexico Kevin Esterly — the Pennsylvania man who ran off to Mexico with a teenage girl in 2018 — has now been convicted of repeatedly raping the same victim when she was a child, prosecutors announced on Wednesday, March 5. The disturbing allegations first emerged when the victim came forward to police in February 2025, saying Esterly had sexually abused her for years, beginning when she was a child. A jury convicted Esterly, now 53, of rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and endangering the welfare of children following a trial that began with jury selection on …
Police Chief, Marine, Dad In Federal Prison For Meth Pleads Guilty In Mushrooms Tampering Case Police Chief, Marine, Dad In Federal Prison For Meth Pleads Guilty In Mushrooms Tampering Case
Police Chief, Marine, Dad In Federal Prison For Meth Pleads Guilty In Mushrooms Tampering Case A father, Marine veteran, and former police chief in Pennsylvania already serving federal prison time for meth trafficking has now pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence in a case tied to missing mushrooms, Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli announced on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. Former Greensburg Police Chief Shawn Denning pleaded guilty to three counts of tampering with evidence before Common Pleas Judge Michael Stewart, according to the DA’s office. Judge Stewart sentenced Denning to one year of probation. The case stems from a February 2023 audit of the Greensburg…
Man Flooded Hudson Valley With Fentanyl, Meth: Busted In Early-Morning Raid, DA Says Man Flooded Hudson Valley With Fentanyl, Meth: Busted In Early-Morning Raid, DA Says
Man Flooded Hudson Valley With Fentanyl, Meth: Busted In Early-Morning Raid, DA Says A Dutchess man is behind bars after investigators say he sold fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Harlem Valley area of the county, officials said.  Gregory Iozzo, age 42, was arrested early Thursday morning, May 8, near his home on White Farm Road in the town of Dover, following a drug investigation by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, officials said on Friday, May 9.  According to the Task Force, Iozzo had been selling fentanyl multiple times in the Harlem Valley area, which includes the towns of Amenia, Dover, and Pawling, all located along the Metro-North Harlem Line. Afte…
Crack, Heroin, Meth: Major Drug Hauls Made In Peekskill Raids, 2 Arrested, Police Say Crack, Heroin, Meth: Major Drug Hauls Made In Peekskill Raids, 2 Arrested, Police Say
Crack, Heroin, Meth: Major Drug Hauls Made In Peekskill Raids, 2 Arrested, Police Say Two men were arrested in separate drug raids in Westchester after long-running investigations into narcotics sales, police announced.   On Monday, March 24, Peekskill Police Detectives, assisted by the Westchester County Police Narcotics Unit, executed a search warrant at a Main Street home, where they seized suspected crack cocaine and precursors used in the manufacturing of controlled substances, Peekskill Police announced on Monday, March 31.  The suspect, Michael Stokely of Peekskill, was taken into custody and charged with: Criminal possession of precursors of a contro…
Drug Dealer Busted, Caught With Meth, Cocaine In Hudson Valley: Police Drug Dealer Busted, Caught With Meth, Cocaine In Hudson Valley: Police
Drug Dealer Busted, Caught With Meth, Cocaine In Hudson Valley: Police Police have apprehended a 55-year-old man accused of dealing methamphetamine and cocaine after a police raid uncovered drugs packaged for sale inside his Dutchess County residence, authorities announced.  Orlando Peterson III was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 27, following a search conducted by the Dutchess County DA's Office Drug Task Force at his Poughkeepsie residence on Garden Street, the Task Force announced on Monday, March 3.   Officials said undercover agents had been purchasing drugs from Peterson before executing the search warrant at his home with the assistance of th…
Fentanyl Sales Hub Shut Down In Hudson Valley: 20-Year-Old Man Charged, Police Say Fentanyl Sales Hub Shut Down In Hudson Valley: 20-Year-Old Man Charged, Police Say
Fentanyl Sales Hub Shut Down In Hudson Valley: 20-Year-Old Man Charged, Police Say A 20-year-old man faces charges following a raid on a Dutchess County apartment linked to narcotics sales, authorities said.  The Dutchess County Drug Task Force, acting on months of community reports about drug activity on South Clinton Street, executed a search warrant at a Poughkeepsie apartment on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 13, the task force announced on Friday, Feb. 14.  The raid, conducted with assistance from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Service Unit (SWAT), the City of Poughkeepsie Police and Neighborhood Recovery Unit, and the Dutchess County Sheriff…
Dark Web Pill Factory Leader From Hudson Valley Gets Time In Prison Dark Web Pill Factory Leader From Hudson Valley Gets Time In Prison
Dark Web Pill Factory Leader From Hudson Valley Gets Time In Prison A Hudson Valley man who returned to illegal drug operations on the dark web after serving time for a similar crime will spend more time behind bars.  Orange County resident Kyle Weiland, age 36, of Tuxedo Park, was sentenced to 63 months in prison, plus a consecutive 12 months for charges related to his distribution of illegal pills and narcotics, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Wednesday, Jan. 22.  According to officials, Weiland operated a pill and narcotics manufacturing business on the dark web, distributing drugs throughout the…
6 Accused Of Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl Out Of Public Housing In Peekskill 6 Accused Of Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl Out Of Public Housing In Peekskill
6 Accused Of Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl Out Of Public Housing In Peekskill Six people face federal charges in connection with a drug ring that distributed addictive substances out of residential buildings in Northern Westchester, officials said. The six suspects were arrested and arraigned in federal court on Tuesday, Nov. 12 in connection with a drug conspiracy that operated in Peekskill, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Friday, Nov. 15.  According to the federal indictment, from around April 2024 to the date of their arrests, the six defendants worked to supply and distribute large amounts of cocaine, crack co…
Hudson Valley Dealer Nabbed Selling Fentanyl, Other Drugs, Police Say Hudson Valley Dealer Nabbed Selling Fentanyl, Other Drugs, Police Say
Hudson Valley Dealer Nabbed Selling Fentanyl, Other Drugs, Police Say An alleged Hudson Valley drug dealer was busted by a drug task force following an investigation, and making "buys."  Dutchess County resident Haitham A. Dasan, age 48, of Poughkeepsie was picked up by the District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force on Thursday, Nov. 1 in an of Poughkeepse known as the "South Side." According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris with the task force, agents have been investigating the sale of narcotics and other drugs in the area, specifically the sale of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine (crystal meth).  Drug Task Force Agents identified the dea…
Dealer Selling Near Entrance To Hudson Valley Schools Busted By Drug Task Force: Police Dealer Selling Near Entrance To Hudson Valley Schools Busted By Drug Task Force: Police
Dealer Selling Near Entrance To Hudson Valley Schools Busted By Drug Task Force: Police An alleged drug dealer was busted at his home steps away from two schools selling fentanyl and crystal meth in the region. Dutchess County resident William Frenza, age 59, of Pawling, was charged on Wednesday, Nov. 6, during a warrant search of his home by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Task Force agents had been working on an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth,” fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs in the town of Pawling for a significant amount of time.  Harri…
Crystal Meth Mailed To Board Of Elections Office In Hudson Valley Crystal Meth Mailed To Board Of Elections Office In Hudson Valley
Crystal Meth Mailed To Board Of Elections Office In Hudson Valley State and federal law enforcement officials are investigating after a Board of Elections office in the region received a suspicious package from an unknown foreign sender via UPS. The incident occurred in Dutchess County at the Dutchess County Board of Elections (DCBOE) in Poughkeepsie on Monday, Oct. 7. Office officials said a team escalated a particular piece of mail to management for a higher review "due to advanced training and heightened awareness." Wearing personal protective equipment, this team and management commissioners thoroughly examined the suspicious package and contacted l…
Mom’s Meth-Fueled, Wrong-Way Crash Killing 9-Year-Old Son On NY Highway Was Murder, DA Says Mom’s Meth-Fueled, Wrong-Way Crash Killing 9-Year-Old Son On NY Highway Was Murder, DA Says
Mom’s Meth-Fueled, Wrong-Way Crash Killing 9-Year-Old Son On NY Highway Was Murder, DA Says A New York mother accused of causing a drug-fueled, wrong-way highway crash that killed her son has been charged with murder. On Long Island, a Suffolk County grand jury charged 32-year-old Kerri Bedrick, of Centerport, with second-degree murder and related charges on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Prosecutors said Bedrick was high on methamphetamine when a Suffolk County Sheriff’s deputy spotted her SUV speeding westbound in the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway at around 2:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22. Earlier Report: NY Mom Accused In Wrong-Way Crash Killing Son Had License Suspend…
Hudson Valley Crystal Meth Dealer Charged Following Raid, Police Say Hudson Valley Crystal Meth Dealer Charged Following Raid, Police Say
Hudson Valley Crystal Meth Dealer Charged Following Raid, Police Say An alleged Hudson Valley drug dealer is behind bars following an investigation into crystal meth sales in the region. The warrant search raid occurred in Dutchess County on Saturday, Aug. 3, on Reservoir Road in Pawling. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, the group has been working on an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth,” fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs in the town of Pawling.  The investigation led to a residence on Reservoir Road near the entrance to the Pawling Mid…
Trio Nabbed For Drug Ring Based Out Of Hudson Valley Restaurant, Officials Say Trio Nabbed For Drug Ring Based Out Of Hudson Valley Restaurant, Officials Say
Trio Nabbed For Drug Ring Based Out Of Hudson Valley Restaurant, Officials Say Three people face a long list of charges in connection with a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution network that made drug sales at a restaurant in the region, officials announced.  The three arrests were made in Dutchess County following searches conducted at several locations in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie on Thursday, June 27, the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force announced on Friday, June 28.  According to the Task Force, the searches were executed as part of an investigation into the sale of cocaine and other drugs throughout Poughkeepsie. As…
Fugitive Caught With Meth After Lengthy Pursuit In Hudson Valley: Police Fugitive Caught With Meth After Lengthy Pursuit In Hudson Valley: Police
Fugitive Caught With Meth After Lengthy Pursuit In Hudson Valley: Police A fugitive wanted in another state was caught with methamphetamine after leading authorities on a long chase throughout the Hudson Valley in an unregistered vehicle with switched plates, police said. New Jersey resident Sean McDermott, age 34, of Hoboken, was arrested on Wednesday, March 6 following a pursuit that began in Westchester and ended in Putnam County, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Monday, March 11.  According to authorities, at around 12:15 p.m. on the day of McDermott's arrest, a vehicle that fled a traffic stop in Elmsford traveled into Putnam County…
Methamphetamine Pills Found During Traffic Stop In Northern Westchester: Police Methamphetamine Pills Found During Traffic Stop In Northern Westchester: Police
Methamphetamine Pills Found During Traffic Stop In Northern Westchester: Police A 32-year-old man faces drug charges after he was found to be in possession of several methamphetamine pills during a traffic stop in Northern Westchester.  The arrest resulted from a traffic stop originally conducted in Yorktown on Friday, April 28 that resulted in the suspect, 32-year-old Peerayoot Loimar of Yonkers, being found in possession of three unknown pill-like substances, Yorktown Police announced on Thursday, Aug. 10.  These pills were later found to be methamphetamine by analysis conducted by the Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research, authori…
Drug Bust: 4 Charged With Trafficking Cocaine, Meth In Hudson Valley Drug Bust: 4 Charged With Trafficking Cocaine, Meth In Hudson Valley
Drug Bust: 4 Charged With Trafficking Cocaine, Meth In Hudson Valley Three men and one woman from the Hudson Valley face numerous charges related to the sale and possession of cocaine and methamphetamine after their residences were searched. The four defendants were charged with trafficking the narcotics in the Orange County town of Warwick and the village of Greenwood Lake, as well as surrounding areas, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Friday, May 26.  The arrests stemmed from a five-month investigation during which undercover investigators would purchase large quantities of narcotics from individuals in Warwick and Gr…
Alleged Meth-Cocaine Dealer Nabbed By Hudson Valley Drug Task Force Alleged Meth-Cocaine Dealer Nabbed By Hudson Valley Drug Task Force
Alleged Meth-Cocaine Dealer Nabbed By Hudson Valley Drug Task Force A Hudson Valley woman has been charged with allegedly dealing cocaine and methamphetamine throughout the area. Dutchess County resident Alexus Lemmon, age 28, of Hyde Park, was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 6 for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Lemmon was nabbed when Dutchess County Task Force agents executed a search warrant after an ongoing narcotics investigation into dangerous drug sales at a motel on Albany Post Road in the town of Hyde Park, said Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the task force. During the search, agents seized several ounces of methamphetamine and severa…
Woman Nabbed With 'Candy-Like' Drugs At Hotel In Hudson Valley, Police Say Woman Nabbed With 'Candy-Like' Drugs At Hotel In Hudson Valley, Police Say
Woman Nabbed With 'Candy-Like' Drugs At Hotel In Hudson Valley, Police Say A Hudson Valley woman was nabbed with "candy-like" methamphetamine pills and crack cocaine at an area hotel during a warrant search. Dutchess County resident Cali A. Hamilton, age 25, of the town of Poughkeepsie, was arrested on Thursday, Oct. 27 by members of the Dutchess County Drug Task Force at the Red Roof Inn in Poughkeepsie. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris, coordinator of the Dutchess County Task Force, agents executed a warrant at the Red Roof Inn and seized a quantity of “candy-like” pills determined to be methamphetamine and a quantity of crack cocaine.  Hamilto…
Man Charged With Animal Cruelty, Accused Of Killing 12-Week-Old Puppy In Westchester Man Charged With Animal Cruelty, Accused Of Killing 12-Week-Old Puppy In Westchester
Man Charged With Animal Cruelty, Accused Of Killing 12-Week-Old Puppy In Westchester A 34-year-old man was indicted for allegedly throwing a 12-week-old puppy to its death on a Westchester County roadway. Thaddeus Jones, of Mount Vernon, was indicted for aggravated cruelty to animals in an incident that happened in Yonkers, according to an announcement from Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah on Thursday, July 7. He was also charged with two counts of second-degree criminal impersonation and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and he was arraigned on Thursday, July 7, Rocah said.  Rocah reported that Jones is alleged to have tra…
Don't Do It: Authorities Reveal Potentially Fatal Danger Of Picking Up Folded Money Don't Do It: Authorities Reveal Potentially Fatal Danger Of Picking Up Folded Money
Don't Do It: Authorities Reveal Potentially Fatal Danger Of Picking Up Folded Money Authorities have issued an alert about the potential risks of picking up folded dollar bills following recent incidents. The Giles County Sheriff's Department in Tennessee announced on Thursday, June 9, that it received reports of two incidents involving people picking up folded dollar bills that contained white, powdery substances. The substances each tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl, the Sheriff's Department said.  On both occasions, the dollar bills were found on the floor of a gas station. Authorities added that a small amount of powder containing fentanyl can kil…
Woman Admits To Dealing Methamphetamine, Selling Guns In Hudson Valley Woman Admits To Dealing Methamphetamine, Selling Guns In Hudson Valley
Woman Admits To Dealing Methamphetamine, Selling Guns In Hudson Valley An out-of-state woman has pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in connection with dealing methamphetamine and selling guns in the Hudson Valley. Ashley Evans, age 33, of Hallstead, Pennsylvania, made the plea on Monday, April 11 in Orange County District Court. A five-month joint investigation by the Orange County Drug Task Force and the City of Port Jervis Police Department revealed the unlawful possession and sales of firearms and methamphetamine occurring primarily in Western Orange County, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. As part of the inv…
Former NYPD Officer From Westchester Admits To Trafficking Meth, Liquid Date Rape Drug Former NYPD Officer From Westchester Admits To Trafficking Meth, Liquid Date Rape Drug
Former Nypd Officer From Westchester Admits To Trafficking Meth, Liquid Date Rape Drug A former NYPD officer from the Hudson Valley admitted to his role in running a scheme to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine and liquid date rape drugs in New York, federal officials announced. Bronxville resident John Cicero, age 39, a former NYPD officer, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Oct. 13 to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and gamma-butyrolactone (known as “GBL”) in Westchester County and New York City. Beginning in 2017 through his arrest in February 2020, US. Attorney Damian Williasm said that Cicero and his co-conspirators stockpiled and sold liters of GBL a…
Area Man Accused Of Dealing Meth, Cocaine, Other Drugs Sentenced Area Man Accused Of Dealing Meth, Cocaine, Other Drugs Sentenced
Area Man Accused Of Dealing Meth, Cocaine, Other Drugs Sentenced A drug dealer has been sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance. Putnam County resident Brian Flandreau, age 42, of Lake Carmel, was sentenced on Tuesday, May 11. During a two-month investigation, members of the New York State Police Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team purchased over $2,800 worth of methamphetamine from Flandreau on four different occasions,  said Putnam County District Attorney Robert V. Tendy. These sales took place at Flandreau’s residence and at locations throughout Putn…
Wanted Woman Who Switched License Plates Had Heroin, Meth, State Police Say Wanted Woman Who Switched License Plates Had Heroin, Meth, State Police Say
Wanted Woman Who Switched License Plates Had Heroin, Meth, State Police Say An alert has been issued by New York State Police for a wanted woman who was busted with heroin and meth while driving a car with illegal license plates. Julia Drongowski, 45, is wanted by New York State Police investigators in Liberty following her arrest for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Police said that Drongowski was arrested during a traffic stop in Tusten when she was stopped for operating a vehicle with license plates that didn’t match the registration and had been swapped out. During the traffic stop, troopers determined that Drongowski was in possession of methamp…
Popular Area Pizza Parlor Linked To Major Meth, Cocaine Ring, State Attorney General Says Popular Area Pizza Parlor Linked To Major Meth, Cocaine Ring, State Attorney General Says
Popular Area Pizza Parlor Linked To Major Meth, Cocaine Ring, State Attorney General Says A popular area pizza shop has been linked to a major methamphetamine and cocaine ring, according to Attorney General Letitia James. New York State Police announced a 168-count indictment charging nine people for their alleged roles in a cocaine and methamphetamine smuggling operation on Monday, Nov. 15. In total, police say more than four pounds of cocaine, one pound of methamphetamine pills, three loaded handguns and two high-capacity ammunition feeding devices were seized during the investigation, named “Operation Final Cut.” “We will continue to go after any individual who tries to prof…
Duo Facing Drug Possession Charges After I-87 Stop Duo Facing Drug Possession Charges After I-87 Stop
Duo Facing Drug Possession Charges After I-87 Stop A motorist and passenger are facing charges for drug possession after an I-87 traffic stop in the area, police say. New York State Police say they stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on I-87 in the town of Cornwall on Tuesday, May 14 around 9:30 p.m. While interviewing the driver, identified as Matthew Nisbett, 36, of Brooklyn, probable cause to conduct a search was established, according to police. Nisbett was found to be in possession of approximately 3.2 grams of methamphetamine, 14.8 grams of marijuana, two capsules of MDMA and a pipe containing methamphetamine residue, police say…
Mexican National Admits To Drug Trafficking, Immigration Offenses In Fairfield County Mexican National Admits To Drug Trafficking, Immigration Offenses In Fairfield County
Mexican National Admits To Drug Trafficking, Immigration Offenses In Fairfield County A Mexican national who repeatedly illegally entered the country has admitted to his role in trafficking methamphetamine and other drugs from New York to Connecticut. Rafael Lopez-Macias, a citizen of Mexico last known to reside in Norwalk, has pleaded guilty in Bridgeport district court to narcotics trafficking and immigration offenses, U.S. Attorney John Durham announced. In June 1998, Lopez-Macias was convicted in California on charges that included cocaine trafficking, Durham said. In February 2001, he was deported to Mexico. Lopez-Macias proceeded to illegally reenter the country i…
Priest Faces Drug Possession Charge In Westchester Priest Faces Drug Possession Charge In Westchester
Priest Faces Drug Possession Charge In Westchester Westchester County Police arrested two men, one a priest, for alleged possession of methamphetamine. Officers were traveling on John Walsh Boulevard in Peekskill shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday, March 17, when they spotted a suspicious vehicle parked in the vicinity of Charles Point Park, said Westchester County Police spokesman Kieran O'Leary. Two men were found inside the vehicle and after further investigation officers recovered half an ounce of methamphetamine, two scales and other materials used for packaging narcotics, O'Leary said. Father Michael O’Leary, 50, o…
Investigation Into Sexual Assault Leads To Discovery Of Hudson Valley Meth Lab Investigation Into Sexual Assault Leads To Discovery Of Hudson Valley Meth Lab
Investigation Into Sexual Assault Leads To Discovery Of Hudson Valley Meth Lab New York State Police allegedly discovered a meth lab in Hudson Valley while investigating a sexual assault case. Tuesday, Jan. 8, police were investigating a report of sexual assault by 60-year William H. Williams of High Falls. When investigators entered Williams’ residence to interview him, they discovered a methamphetamine lab. The New York York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT) was able to respond to the residence and successfully cleared the home. Williams was taken into custody and faces the following charges: Third-degree unlawful manufacturin…
Four Suspected Drug Dealers Facing Multiple Felony Charges After I-87 Stop Four Suspected Drug Dealers Facing Multiple Felony Charges After I-87 Stop
Four Suspected Drug Dealers Facing Multiple Felony Charges After I-87 Stop A late-night traffic stop on I-87 in Orange County over the weekend led to the arrest of four alleged drug dealers who were allegedly in possession of methamphetamine, MDMA, heroin and other drugs they allegedly planned to distribute. Troopers stopped 18-year-old Fort Plain resident Shaiann Bouck at approximately 9:50 p.m. on I-87 in Woodbury, when she committed a vehicle and traffic violation. While interviewing Bouchk and her three passengers, the trooper established probable cause to search the vehicle and its four occupants. According to police, the search of the vehicle and the passeng…