Narcotics Unit: 13 People Charged In Connection with Suspected Operation of Illegal Open Air Market

MALTA — Members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office’s Narcotics Unit and Special Operations Team, with assistance from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, executed a search warrant at 2244 U.S. Route 9 in the town of Malta earlier this month, following an investigation into the sale and possession of controlled substances and marijuana within Saratoga County.

Following the completion of the search warrant, the vendors suspected of operating in the illegal open-air market were allegedly found to be in possession of a large quantity of concentrated marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and over 43 pounds of flower marijuana. Additionally, two handguns and approximately $10,000 in cash were seized, police said. 

The following were each charged with two counts of criminal possession of cannabis in the second degree, a felony: Leslie Mason-Flowers, age 32 of Troy; Russell F. Gorgen, age 31 of Glenville; Damian C. Pitt, age 22 of Mechanicville; Joseph M. Lavoie, age 53 of Sutton, Massachusetts; Zachary J. Wissenbach, age 26 of Delanson; Gerald R. Helm, age 33 of Saratoga Springs; Kevin J. Tidd, age 37 of Glenville; Saverio B. Mastrianna, age 34 of Albany; Thomas J. Boglino, age 35 of Albany; Tracy A. New, age 33 of Albany; Christina M. Denardo, age 37 of Westfield, Massachusetts; Jonathan M. Lachappelle, age 36 of Malta;  Christopher M. Loya, age 48 of Troy. Additionally, Leslie Mason-Flowers and Christina Denardo were each charged with criminal possession of a firearm, a felony.