11 DEFENDANTS INDICTED ON DRUG AND GUN CHARGES IN SCHENECTADY

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Eleven defendants were arrested today on federal felony charges arising out of the sale of cocaine base (crack) and firearms in and around Schenectady, New York, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Delano A. Reid. The charges are set forth in nine indictments that were unsealed this afternoon in federal court in Albany. The defendants were arrested this morning, arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and detained pending detention hearings which are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of next week.

These charges are the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Schenectady District Attorney’s Office, the Schenectady Police Department, the New York State Department of Corrections, the New York National Guard Counter-Drug Task Force, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York.

United States Attorney Hartunian said, "I want to commend our local, state and federal law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in bringing about these arrests today. This case serves as a strong message that we will vigorously pursue and prosecute all those who endanger our neighborhoods though the distribution of illegal drugs and illegal firearm activity."

Special Agent in Charge Vale stated, "Today’s arrests are clear evidence of the success of law enforcement partnerships. Schenectady neighborhoods, as well as the Greater Capital Region, are safer now than they were just hours ago. This investigation reflects our collective dedication to deterring illegal drug and firearm activity, and we will continue to actively identify individuals throughout the area who are involved in such criminal acts."

Special Agent in Charge Reid said, "I am extremely gratified with today’s arrests. The public – including the criminal element – must really appreciate how effective law enforcement can be once it focuses its resources on those violating the law. While each of our partners brings their own specialized expertise to the table in cases such as this, it is only through an open and collaborative effort that we can achieve these impressive results."

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sean O’Dowd and Kofi Sansculotte and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Assini from the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office.

Defendants Charged

The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.