ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ulysses Jessie Walls, a/k/a “Guwala,” age 30, of Rensselaer, New York, was sentenced today to serve 204 months in federal prison for two 2019 armed bank robberies. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Dominick L. Chiumento, Acting Superintendent of the New York State Police (NYSP); Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins; and Town of North Greenbush Police Chief David Keevern. As part of his previously entered guilty pleas to armed bank robbery, firearms, and conspiracy charges, Walls admitted that he committed two armed robberies with Christopher Cohn a/k/a “Wolf.”  On February 6, 2019, Walls and Cohn pulled up to an Albany Trustco Bank branch, where Cohn declared he was about to “go do this,” meaning that he planned to rob the bank.  Walls and Cohn then entered the bank wearing ski masks.  In the bank, Walls displayed a gun, and both men threatened to kill the bank’s employees, who surrendered approximately $150,000 to the pair. Walls also admitted that on the morning of February 26, 2019, he and Cohn entered an M&T Bank branch in North Greenbush, each wearing a ski mask and brandishing a gun.  During the robbery, Cohn fired multiple shots, including one that grazed a bank employee.  According to court documents, law enforcement tracked Cohn, Walls, and their getaway driver to an Albany motel using a GPS device placed in the stolen money by a member of the bank’s staff.  Cohn was apprehended by officers with more than $10,000 in cash and wearing red sneakers matching those captured by the bank’s surveillance cameras during the robbery.  Walls was arrested in the motel’s lobby, where officers found him with several bags containing approximately $3,800 in cash along with ski masks and other clothing matching that worn by the robbers. United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Walls to serve a 5-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release, to pay $167,681 in restitution to his victims, and to forfeit $79,117. After pleading guilty to firearms, armed bank robbery and conspiracy charges, Cohn was sentenced to 241 months in prison by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn. This case was investigated by the FBI, the NYSP, the North Greenbush Police Department, and the Albany Police Department, with the assistance of the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Ashlyn Miranda prosecuted the case.

Global Electronics Manufacturer Constructed 150,000-Square-Foot Facility in the Village of Newark’s Silver Hill Technology Park Builds on Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Expanding the Advanced Manufacturing Sector and Building a 21st Century Economy in New York State Up to $5 Million NYS Investment in the Project Complements "Finger Lakes Forward" – The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that global electronics manufacturer Creation Technologies, formally IEC, has officially opened the doors on its new,150,000 square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Village of Newark, Wayne County.  The company, whose technologies support the medical, tech industrial, and aerospace and defense sectors, has already created 179 jobs as part of a multi-year commitment to creating more than 360 new jobs. Creation Technologies’ expansion in New York’s Finger Lakes region builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to accelerating the growth of the state’s manufacturing sector to build a 21st century economy and continue to create good jobs. “Creation Technologies’ new facility is not just creating a major hub for jobs in New York’s Finger Lakes Region – it’s also creating yet another hub for innovation upstate,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to our shovel-ready sites, talented workforce, and successful business development efforts, New York is continuing to attract 21st century businesses that are creating the good-paying jobs of tomorrow, and we will continue to support the forward-thinking businesses creating breakthrough technologies that will move the Finger Lakes and all of New York State forward.” Creation Technologies’ Wayne County facility services customers in the medical, tech industrial, and aerospace and defense sectors, providing electronic contract manufacturing services including printed circuit board assembly, cable and wire harness assembly, and comprehensive prototyping services for lifesaving and mission-critical products. They specialize in the custom manufacturing of complex, full-system assemblies, offering advanced engineering, test, and development solutions for their customers. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company has locations across North America and in China, employing more than 4,000 workers worldwide. Empire State Development provided the project with a $2 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative Grant and has offered up to $3 million through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for the company’s job creation commitments.  New York State Electric and Gas Corporation offered up to $600,000 in assistance for the project. The Wayne County IDA also provided incentives for the project and Greater Rochester Enterprise was additionally instrumental in helping the company to remain in the Finger Lakes region. The total cost for the relocation project from the company’s previous Newark location was approximately $22 million. Read the full press release here.

On Monday, January 15, 2024, around 3:27 a.m., Officer Rajchel and his partner K9 Chiro were assigned to help other Officers dealing with a domestic incident with a weapon call in the 200 block of Niagara Street. Officers were able to obtain a suspect description for whom they believed was involved in the incident, and began searching the area. Officer Rajchel observed a man matching the description given by Officers walking on Oswego Street. Shortly after advising other Officers, Officer McGraw was on scene and attempted to approach the man, causing him to flee. After a short foot pursuit, Officers were able to take the man into custody. When the suspect was searched, he was found with a magazine for a firearm, but did not have the weapon on him. After searching the path the suspect took, K9 Chiro was able to locate a Glock .40 handgun, with an extended magazine, in the backyard of a home on Gifford Street. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Hector Bonnet Matrille, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. We would like to thank Officer Rajchel for locating the suspect, as well as K9 Chiro for his assistance in locating and securing the firearm. Your assistance helped to get another illegal firearm off of the streets of Syracuse.

On January 9, 2024, State Police of Saratoga arrested Catherine A. Christopher, 46, of Ballston Spa, NY, for Assault in the first degree, a class “B” felony. On January 9, 2024, at about 4:00 p.m., Troopers responded to a home in Malta, NY, for the report of a stabbing. The investigation determined Christopher reportedly stabbed the victim in the abdomen during a dispute.  Christopher and the victim were known to each other. The victim was transported to Saratoga Hospital with what is believed to be a non-life-threatening injury. Christopher was arrested on the scene and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. She was arraigned at the Malta Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 cash, a $200,000 bond, or a $1,000,000 partially secured bond. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-malta-woman-following-stabbing-investigation

On Friday, November 24th, 2023, at about 6:00 pm The New Hartford Police Department responded to The Sierra Store located at 4805 Commercial Drive for a report of a fight in progress. Upon arrival, it was reported to responding officers that two women who were in The Sierra Store had selected a quantity of store merchandise and then began to exit without making any attempt to pay for the items. During the course of this incident, one female later identified as Niviera Lawrence, age 20, of Utica, pictured below, and a second female not yet identified began a physical altercation with the store employees and fled into the parking lot with a quantity of store merchandise. While in the parking lot, Lawrence and the second female suspect were confronted by a woman who was waiting in her vehicle in the same parking lot. Lawrence knocked this female to the ground in the parking lot and both suspects fled the parking lot in a vehicle with the stolen merchandise. Officers searched the surrounding area for the vehicle but it was not found. Responding Officers processed the scene, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses. The case was then assigned to New Hartford Police Department Criminal Investigation Division and investigators were able to identify Lawrence. On January 9th, 2024 The United States Marshal’s Service - New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJ RFTF) was able to develop a possible location in Utica where the suspect was staying. The Marshal’s Task Force which is comprised of members of the United States Marshal’s Service, New Hartford Police, Utica Police, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Oneida County Probation Department, New York State Police, and New York State Parole apprehended Lawrence. Lawrence was transported to the New Hartford Police Department and turned over to Investigators who brought Lawrence to Oneida County Centralized Arraignment Part Court. Lawrence was arraigned on one count of Robbery in The Second Degree, a class C Felony. Lawrence was released pending future court proceedings regarding the Robbery Charge. The investigation is ongoing into the second suspect in this case. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02cEiWhXti45TY3yh19jkH6sT5A16CK2Bp44PtH8X19casdJAz7XR8FPNmwYs5PaRhl&id=100064364722662

ALBANY, NEW YORK – John T. Cox, age 61, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to mail fraud and stealing money from a federally funded governmental agency. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) Northeast Region, made the announcement. Cox admitted that between June 2017 and February 2023, while employed as a Budget Analyst in the Albany County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), he stole $122,251.25 by issuing 16 fraudulent checks drawn on funds in the care of the ACSO, an agency that received more than $10,000 in federal funding each year during this time period. Cox used the checks to pay himself directly or to pay down his line of credit.  Cox then tried to cover up his fraud by falsifying ACSO records to suggest that the funds were being used for legitimate purposes such as vehicle and equipment purchases. Cox stole some of the money from a Department of Justice program in which the federal government shares the proceeds of federal asset forfeitures with state and local law enforcement agencies. Cox is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2024 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. The mail fraud conviction carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison and the federal program theft conviction carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison.  Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.  Cox has also agreed to pay $122,251.25 in restitution to the ACSO, and to a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $113,301.25. The FBI, DOJ OIG, and ACSO investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the case. Updated January 11, 2024 Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/former-albany-county-employee-pleads-guilty-stealing-government-funds

Francisco Javier Mecina Barrera was Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison and His Second-in-Command Adalid Cabrera Huato was Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Running an Armed Drug Trafficking Affiliate of Mexican Cartels Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that FRANCISCO JAVIER MECINA BARRERA, a/k/a “Angel,” was sentenced to 21 years in prison for MECINA’s leadership of a large-scale firearms trafficking and methamphetamine distribution and importation operation he called the “Cartel de Houston” — Spanish for “Houston Cartel” — or “CDH.”  The organization smuggled substantial quantities of firearms to Mexico to trade them for hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine, which they then distributed throughout the United States, while using firearms of their own to protect their organization and threaten others.  In June 2023, MECINA pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero, who imposed today’s sentence.  On December 1, 2023, Judge Marrero sentenced co-defendant ADALID CABRERA HUATO, a/k/a “China,” who was the CDH’s second-in-command, to 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “These defendants sought nothing less than the establishment of a heavily armed drug cartel based in the United States, importing massive quantities of deadly drugs while exporting weapons to some of the most violent criminal organizations in the world.  They believed Satan was watching over them because they knew what they were doing was evil — plain and simple.  These crimes cause immense harm to communities on both sides of the border, all across the United States, and right here in New York City.  Our Office continues its unwavering commitment to dismantling all organizations that look to line their pockets through drugs, guns, and violence.” According to court filings and statements made in court proceedings: From at least in or about March 2020 to at least in or about April 2021, MECINA was the leader of an international narcotics importation and distribution organization that imported hundreds of kilograms of crystal and liquid methamphetamine from Mexico into Texas and further distributed it throughout the United States, including to New York.  MECINA called his group the Cartel de Houston, or “CDH,” because it was based in Houston and had ties to Mexico-based drug trafficking cartels. CDH was also an international supplier of firearms.  At MECINA’s direction, members of CDH smuggled numerous firearms into Mexico and delivered them to Mexico-based drug traffickers, often in exchange for methamphetamine that they then smuggled back into the United States for distribution, hidden in the gas tank of a car that MECINA provided to his couriers.  A photograph of some of these firearms as they were packaged by members of CDH to be smuggled into Mexico is included below: MECINA and other members of CDH also used firearms to threaten and intimidate a narcotics customer of CDH who owed MECINA money for drugs, intimidating him with an assault-style rifle with a 50-round drum magazine.  When MECINA was arrested, that rifle and loaded drum magazine were found in his apartment, as shown in the below photographs: After establishing CDH, MECINA appointed co-defendant Cabrera as his right-hand man in Houston, and MECINA recruited others, including co-defendants GIOVANNI DE LA MORA and JAIME SANTILLANO, to acquire and transport numerous guns from the United States into Mexico, trade them for substantial quantities of methamphetamine, and transport the drugs into the United States, where they would distribute them throughout the country, including to the Bronx, New York.  MECINA provided his co-conspirators with vehicles and instructed them on how to hide the guns and drugs in the fuel tank to avoid detection. MECINA also utilized a Mexico-based religious figure known as “Lucifer” to bless the CDH’s members and drugs as they were crossing the border.  To exert control over his criminal organization, MECINA created a CDH Initiation Agreement that he sent to those working for him, marked it with a purportedly Satanic symbol, and detailed the “Rite of Initiation for New Applications to Enter the Fraternity of CDH,” as depicted below: MECINA also created a logo for his criminal organization that he shared with co-conspirators, which had the same Satanic icon at the top: * MECINA, 32, of Michoacán, Mexico, and Houston, Texas, pled guilty to (i) conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; (ii) conspiracy to illegally import methamphetamine into the United States; and (iii) use, carrying, and possession of a firearm in connection with, and in furtherance of, the narcotics conspiracy and the narcotics importation conspiracy, which was brandished. CABRERA, 26, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty to narcotics conspiracy. As part of the same case, DE LA MORA and SANTILLANO, both of Houston, Texas, previously pled guilty to narcotics conspiracy.  DE LA MORA and SANTILLANO were sentenced by Judge Marrero to 90 months and 86 months in prison, respectively.  In addition to the prison terms, Judge Marrero sentenced DE LA MORA and SANTILLANO each to four years of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations New York City Border Enforcement Security Task Force, which is comprised of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the New York City Police Department.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Houston Police Department, and the DEA Houston Division for their invaluable assistance in this investigation. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael R. Herman, Mitzi S. Steiner, and Jane Y. Chong, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Jacqueline Hauck, are in charge of the prosecution. Contact Nicholas Biase(212) 637-2600 Updated January 11, 2024

On Monday, January 8th, 2024, around 4 p.m., Officer Mulroy was on routine patrol when he observed two individuals failing to use the sidewalk on Barrett Street. The Officer pulled up beside the pair, asking them to stop. One of the suspects listened to the Officer, while the other continued to walk away. As Officer Mulroy attempted to stop the teen from fleeing, a struggle ensued. Officer Mulroy, with the assistance of other Officers who arrived on scene, was eventually able to put the teen in handcuffs. When Officers searched the teen, they found a Polymer 80 'ghost gun' tucked into his waistband. The firearm had a 27 round magazine. There was one round of ammunition in the chamber, and four more rounds loaded into the magazine. Officers also found the teen in possession of 11.9 grams of Fentanyl, which was packaged for sale, in addition to a quantity of cocaine, also packaged for sale. The total amount of fentanyl possessed by the teen was equivalent to 304 individual doses. ​The 16-year-old was taken to the Youth Division of the Public Safety Building, where he was charged with numerous felonies, including Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree. He was also issued a ticket for failing to use the sidewalk. We would like to thank Officer Mulroy, as well as other officers involved in this case, who were able to get a ghost gun, as well as illegal narcotics off of City streets. Sources: Syracuse Police Department

Governor Kathy Hochul's recent signing of legislation, known as S.1130/A.4283, marks a significant step towards combating the issue of puppy mills and animal mistreatment in New York. The new law prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at retail pet stores, a move aimed at ensuring the welfare and humane treatment of animals. The legislation, scheduled to take effect in 2024, was the result of an agreement with the Legislature, showcasing the collaborative effort to address this pressing matter. By preventing the buying and selling of animals from large-scale, abusive breeders, the primary objective of S.1130/A.4283 is to curb the suffering endured by these animals. These breeders typically fail to provide adequate veterinary care, nutrition, and socialization, resulting in numerous health issues. Families who unwittingly purchase animals from puppy mills often face considerable veterinary expenses to address the genetic defects and chronic illnesses prevalent among such animals. The legislation seeks to put an end to this distressing cycle by prohibiting pet stores from acquiring animals from these sources. However, the legislation does not completely eliminate the role of pet stores in connecting animals with loving homes. Under the new law, pet stores are allowed to collaborate with animal shelters or rescue organizations to host adoption services. This provision ensures that the stores can still play a vital role in connecting New Yorkers with animals in need of forever homes. Governor Hochul expressed her pride in signing this legislation, emphasizing the significance of the progress attained in curbing animal mistreatment and safeguarding their welfare throughout the state. She highlighted the importance of providing loving homes for dogs, cats, and rabbits and ensuring their humane treatment. State Senator Michael Gianaris praised the signing of this legislation, lauding it as a significant milestone in the fight against abusive and inhumane puppy mills. He extended his gratitude to Governor Hochul for her advocacy on behalf of these voiceless animals, acknowledging their status as cherished members of our families who deserve the protection and respect granted by this legislation. Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal also expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Governor Hochul for approving this groundbreaking legislation. By terminating the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores, New York State takes a firm stance against supporting the profitability of cruel puppy mills. Additionally, the legislation provides the opportunity for shelters and rescues to collaborate with pet stores, allowing adoptable animals to find their forever homes. Rosenthal emphasized that this legislation would save numerous families from the heartache of investing a considerable amount of money in a beloved pet that may have genetic defects and chronic illnesses. She further highlighted that New York's leadership in preventing cruelty to animals serves as inspiration for other states to follow suit, an accomplishment that Governor Hochul and all proponents of animal welfare can be proud of. Photo byJoe CaioneonUnsplash

The Oneida County Overdose Response Team has issued an overdose spike alert regarding three fatal overdoses related to crack cocaine that occurred in the City of Utica over a 24-hour period. One of the fatal overdoses occurred on December 11, 2023 and the other two fatalities happened within the next 24 hours. “The Oneida County Opioid Task Force Overdose Response Team also monitors overdose patterns relating to non-opioid drugs,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “In these three fatalities, crack cocaine was reported as the drug used. Authorities are still investigating, but the public should be aware that a potentially tainted supply of crack cocaine is circulating in the City of Utica and proceed with extreme caution.” The Overdose Response Team conducts a rapid assessment to identify factors that may be contributing to overdose spikes. Individuals using all drugs should take the same harm reduction precautions as those using opioids such as carrying naloxone, fentanyl test strips and never using alone. People who use drugs and their loved ones can access treatment and recovery services by calling 211. Free Narcan-by-Mail is available through the Oneida County Health Department by visiting https://www.ocopioidtaskforce.org. Free, anonymous 24/7 access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips and other wellness supplies are also available at the new Public Health Kiosk located at the Giotto Center at 1002 Oswego Street in Utica. The Never Use Alone Hotline can be reached at 1-800-484-3731.

Counter Terrorism Teams Conduct Exercises at Various Business and Infrastructure Sites in New York State The Office of Counter Terrorism, within the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, recently conducted a series of training exercises at over 1,100 locations across the state in 2023. These exercises involved counter-terrorism experts from over 80 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, and aimed to assess the ability of businesses to identify and report suspicious activity. Since 2016, more than 6,300 exercises have been carried out throughout New York State to enhance public safety and security. Additionally, the law enforcement teams and Office of Counter Terrorism staff conducted almost 89 NY-SECURE rail counter-terrorism details, leveraging the importance of "See Something, Say Something" to remind travelers about their vital role in maintaining security. According to Governor Kathy Hochul, prioritizing public safety remains at the forefront, and these exercises play a crucial role in educating both business employees and the general public on recognizing and reporting potential threats to law enforcement. She expressed gratitude to law enforcement and homeland security personnel for their ongoing support in safeguarding the public. Law enforcement teams from all 16 counter-terrorism zones in New York State conducted exercises involving more than 400 personnel. During these exercises, teams evaluated the recognition and reporting of suspicious activity at 860 businesses involved in the sale, rental, or provision of services related to chemicals, compounds, components, or resources that may be exploited by malicious actors. Moreover, they assessed the security preparedness of over 200 critical infrastructure sites, including stadiums, malls, shopping centers, colleges, universities, airports, transit hubs, and other high-attendance venues. Notably, around 40 percent of the locations tested in 2023 were new, highlighting the collaborative effort between state counter-terrorism analysts and law enforcement in identifying previously untested areas. Engagement with various stakeholders has significantly contributed to public vigilance and the reporting of suspicious activities. The state-coordinated effort, initiated in 2016, has witnessed a 30 percent increase in suspicious activity reports received through the NYS Terrorism Tips Line, indicating the effectiveness of outreach and training efforts. Jackie Bray, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, emphasized the role of these exercises in equipping business owners and their employees with the ability to identify and report suspicious activity, thereby ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers. inclusion of counter-terrorism details along the rail lines remains an integral part of the state's public safety outreach. He urged all citizens to promptly report any concerning observations to law enforcement. Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento of the New York State Police highlighted the criticality of educating businesses and the public about identifying and reporting suspicious activity to prevent terrorism threats. By bringing together local and state first responders through comprehensive planning, coordination, and training, the state can effectively mitigate emergency situations and protect communities. These exercises serve as a vital component of continuous efforts to safeguard New Yorkers. Operation NY-SECURE, another initiative by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, partnered with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to conduct counter-terrorism and incident response details along Amtrak routes and MTA commuter lines. These joint efforts aim to improve coordination and response capabilities between railroad and local law enforcement agencies in emergency situations. The unannounced operation involved visible details, such as increased security presence onboard trains, heightened platform patrols, explosive detection canine sweeps, and counter-surveillance measures. In 2023 alone, Operation NY-SECURE accomplished 89 details throughout the state, including 77 single-station details and 12 multi-station details at Amtrak and MTA stations along the Empire Line. Since its inception in 2018, 447 details have been completed across the state, with plans for continued operations in 2024. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services serves as a guiding force, providing leadership, coordination, and support in disaster prevention, protection, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. For more information, please visit the DHSES website or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Sources: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-completion-more-1100-joint-counter-terrorism-exercises-across-new

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Albany, NY - December 8, 2023 - On December 8, 2023, State Police assigned to the Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET) apprehended Davon Sisnett, a 36-year-old resident of Albany, NY, on several charges related to the possession and distribution of controlled substances. Sisnett has been charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the second degree, a class "A" felony, four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a class "B" felony, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree, a class "C" felony, and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree, a class "A" misdemeanor. Following an intensive investigation that started in the Spring of 2023, law enforcement officials obtained credible information indicating Sisnett's involvement in the unlawful sale and handling of illicit drugs. Consequently, a search warrant was executed at his residence in Albany, NY, on December 8, 2023. During the search, a significant quantity of controlled substances, along with drug paraphernalia and a substantial amount of U.S. currency, were discovered and confiscated. Sisnett was apprehended at the scene. Following his arrest, Sisnett was transported to SP Latham for processing, where he was properly arraigned at the Albany City Court. Subsequently, he was remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility pending further legal proceedings. Additionally, as the investigation progressed, law enforcement authorities uncovered the existence of a storage unit in Rensselaer, NY, allegedly utilized by Sisnett. A subsequent search warrant was issued and executed on this unit, leading to the discovery of additional controlled substances and two loaded handguns, both illegally possessed. Notably, both firearms were equipped with illegal high-capacity magazines. Consequently, an arrest warrant directly related to the items found in the storage unit was issued by the Rensselaer County Court on December 26, 2023. On December 29, 2023, thanks to the assistance of the United States Marshal Service, Sisnett was located at his Albany, NY residence and taken into custody. He was subsequently transported to SP Latham for processing and then transferred to the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility, where he will await arraignment. For further information, please contact Troop G Public Information Officer, Trooper Stephanie O'Neil. About the New York State Police - The New York State Police is a highly trained and professional law enforcement agency committed to ensuring the safety and security of the residents of New York. With a dedicated Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET), the State Police diligently investigates and apprehends individuals involved in violent and drug-related criminal activities as part of its mission to protect and serve the community Sources":https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-albany-man-possessing-illegal-handguns-and-felony-weight-narcotics