News Release [print-friendly version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2009
Contact: Erin Mulvey
Public Information Officer
Phone: 212-337-2906

APR 28 -- (Albany, NY) New York Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent-In-Charge John P. Gilbride announced yesterday that DEA Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force (DEATF) assisted with the investigation of a narcotics distribution organization operating on Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Police executed two search warrants on the campus of Skidmore College as a result of a several month long investigation targeting individuals involved in selling marijuana and other drugs on the Skidmore College Campus. Throughout the investigation, Saratoga Springs Police were assisted by the DEA- Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force (DEATF) and Skidmore College Campus Safety.

The individuals arrested yesterday are:

DASHEL HAMMERSTEIN (20 YOA), of Hickory B, Scribner Village, Skidmore College was charged with one count of Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Fourth Degree, an A Misdemeanor in violation of Section 221.40 of the New York State Penal Law and one count of Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Fifth Degree in violation of Section 221.10(2) of the NYS Penal Law.

CALDER WILSON (20 YOA) of 216 McClellan Dorm, Skidmore College was charged with three counts of Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Fourth Degree, a class A misdemeanor in violation of Section 221.40 of the NYS Penal Law, one count of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, a violation of Section 221.05 of the New York State Penal Law and three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree in violation of Section 220.03 of the NYS Penal Law, a class A misdemeanor. Each charge for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance is based upon Wilson’s alleged possession of three different controlled substances; LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and MDMA commonly referred to as Ecstasy.

JONATHAN WOOD (20 YOA) of 1253 Eastern Ave, West Charlton NY was charged with one count of Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Fourth Degree, a class A misdemeanor.

EDOUARD AGHION (19 YOA) of 114 Trowbridge St #3, Cambridge MA was charged with one count each of Criminal Possession and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree both class D felonies in violation of Sections 220.06(1) and 220.31 of the NYS Penal Law based on his alleged possession and sale of methylphenidate (Ritalin) pills.

The investigation involved the use of undercover police officers to make purchases of the drugs on the Skidmore College Campus over the past several months. Campus Security was instrumental in facilitating the investigation and with identifying the individuals involved. The DEATF provided manpower and technical assistance to the investigation. All of the alleged drug sales took place on the Campus. Both Hammerstein and Wilson are current students at Skidmore College living on campus while Wood and Aghion are former students who no longer live on campus. Aghion was arrested in Massachusettes and is being held pending extradition to New York to face charges. All of the arrests were made without incident. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.