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Author: Saratoga TODAY

District Attorney Brett Eby Announces Creation of Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby today announced the creation of a new Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau, a specialized unit dedicated to aggressively combating narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms, sex trafficking, and human trafficking throughout Saratoga County. 

The Bureau will be led by Chief Meghan A. Horton, an experienced prosecutor with a proven record of success in complex investigations and high-stakes felony trials. 

The Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau will focus on dismantling criminal enterprises that profit from the sale of controlled substances, the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms, and the exploitation of victims through sex and human trafficking. The Bureau will work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to conduct long-term investigations, utilize advanced investigative techniques, and ensure the most dangerous offenders are held fully accountable. 

“This Bureau reflects our commitment to taking an aggressive, intelligence-driven approach to some of the most serious crimes facing our communities,” said District Attorney Eby. “Drug trafficking, illegal guns, and human trafficking threaten public safety and devastate families. This Bureau is designed to confront those threats head-on.”

Chief Horton brings extensive experience in narcotics, firearms, violent felony, and sexually motivated offense prosecutions. She serves on the Tri-County Narcotics Task Force. Chief Horton has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict. Horton also has extensive experience drafting search warrants, devising operation strategy, obtaining trace orders and leading investigations. She is also cross designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. “Chief Horton’s exceptional courtroom abilities, sharp investigative skills, relentless work ethic, and aggressive prosecutorial style will lead this Bureau to success,” said District Attorney Eby. “She is one of the most talented prosecutors in Upstate New York, and I have complete confidence in her leadership.” Chief Horton’s courtroom successes include:

• People v. Shahid Smith — Secured guilty verdicts on multiple counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, resulting in a 31½-year state prison sentence.

• People v. Ryan Jewett — Obtained a conviction for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child and a 29-year sentence of incarceration.

• People v. Michael Zakrzewski — Achieved guilty verdicts for Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Strangulation in the Second Degree, and Criminal Contempt, resulting in a 34-year state prison sentence.

• People v. Sean Cherven — Won a jury trial resulting in a conviction for Rape in the First Degree and a sentence of 18 years in state prison.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau,” said Chief Horton. “I am ready to take on this responsibility and to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to protect the public, pursue justice for victims, and hold dangerous offenders accountable.”

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby Announces Sentence in Violent Felony Sexual Assault Case

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby announced that David Bodenstab has been sentenced following his conviction for multiple violent felony offenses. On January 16, 2026, Bodenstab was convicted of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony in violation of New York Penal Law §130.50(1), and Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D Violent Felony in violation of New York Penal Law §120.05(6). 

District Attorney Eby praised the dedication and advocacy of the prosecutors who handled the case. 

“This sentence reflects the gravity of the defendant’s actions and the steadfast commitment of our office to protecting victims of violent crime,” Eby said. “I want to commend Assistant District Attorney Emily Williams and Senior Bureau Chief Michele Schettino for their tireless efforts and strong advocacy on behalf of the victim. Their work pushed for accountability and justice every step of the way.” 

District Attorney Eby also emphasized the extraordinary strength of the victim.

 “Most importantly, I want to recognize the victim in this case,” Eby said. “Her courage, resilience, and determination throughout this process were truly remarkable. Because of her strength, a dangerous individual has been held accountable.” 

The Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the law enforcement professionals and advocates whose outstanding work helped secure this conviction, including but not limited to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department, Investigator Brandon August, Investigator Nicholas Hess, Investigator Samuel Speziale, Deputy Justin Sicko, Crime Victim Advocate Mollie Benware, DA Investigator Mark Sauter and the New York State Police Forensic Video Multimedia Services Unit. 

District Attorney Eby concluded, “This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when prosecutors, law enforcement, and victim advocates work together with professionalism and determination to seek justice for victims of violent crime.”

Three Arrested in South Glens Falls Drug Bust      

The Sheriff’s Office’s Special Operations Team executed a search warrant Sunday at 11:45 p.m. at 12 Prospect St. in the village of South Glens Falls. The warrant was a joint operation between the Sheriff’s Office and the South Glens Falls Police Department and was the culmination of a lengthy investigation into illicit narcotics possession and sales in the village. As a result of the investigation and warrant execution, Khalil A. Danielson, 45, of Brooklyn, N.Y., Nicole L. Wray, 49, of South Glens Falls, N.Y., and Kevin A. Cottone, 37, of South Glens Falls, N.Y., were arrested. 

Danielson was charged with four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree and two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies). He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and a narcotic drug that had an aggregate weight of one-half ounce or more. Danielson was also charged with knowingly and unlawfully selling a narcotic drug. 

Wray and Cottone were each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies) and criminal nuisance in the 1st degree (class E felony). They are accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and a narcotic drug that had an aggregate weight of one-half ounce or more. Both were also charged with maintaining a premise where persons gathered for the purpose of engaging in the unlawful sale of controlled substances and of obtaining a benefit from it. 

All three were arraigned before the Honorable Jeffrey B. McCabe in the Moreau Town Court. Danielson was remanded to the Saratoga County Jail while Wray and Cottone were released to pretrial services pending further proceedings in that court. 

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo of the Week!


“Winter Tea Service at Olana” by Sue Clark

Now is your chance to get your photos published!

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Published in PRINT in Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.  

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Major Exhibition Coming to Tang Museum


Kathy Butterly, “Wave ‘Em Like You Just Don’t Care,” 2001, porcelain, earthenware, and glaze, 7 3/4 x 4 x 3 1/4 inches, Tang Museum collection, gift of Elizabeth Harvey Levine.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College presents “Kathy Butterly: Assume Yes,” a major exhibition of approximately fifty works by one of the most influential sculptors working in ceramics today. On view from Feb. 14 through July 26, the exhibition spans more than thirty years of Butterly’s practice, from early sculptures dating to the mid-1990s to recent works.

For nearly four decades, Kathy Butterly has created sculptures with individuality, using clay and glaze to paint in three dimensions. Known for their small scale and extraordinary detail, her works combine technical virtuosity with humor, sensuality, and formal daring. Butterly pushes porcelain and earthenware to their limits, producing objects that oscillate between abstraction and the body, spontaneity and precision, seriality and difference.

“Kathy Butterly: Assume Yes” is organized by Ian Berry, Dayton Director of the Tang Teaching Museum, and is presented as part of the museum’s 25th anniversary year. The exhibition builds on a long relationship between Butterly and the Tang: Berry organized a focused solo show of her work at the museum in 2006, and her work anchored The Jewel Thief exhibition in 2010. Four works by the artist held in the Tang’s permanent collection are included in the exhibition.

“I started a conversation with Kathy Butterly about her work more than twenty years ago,” Berry said. “Her sculpture continues to surprise and expand, and it is an honor to bring these masterpieces together in one room. They reward close looking and sustained attention, revealing how free creativity and experimentation can continually reinvent a medium.”

The exhibition will be accompanied by the publication of a major monograph on Butterly’s work later in the spring. The catalogue features contributions by Glenn Adamson, Ian Berry, Forrest Gander, Theodora Bocanegra Lang, Nancy Princenthal, and Elena Sisto.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

The Tang is presenting a series of events in conjunction with the exhibition. All are free and open to the public.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m.: Opening Reception and Conversation with the Artist

Join Dayton Director Ian Berry in conversation with Kathy Butterly to celebrate the opening of the exhibition.

Thursday, March 26, Noon: Curator’s Tour of “Kathy Butterly: Assume Yes”

Ian Berry leads an exhibition tour.

Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m.: Dunkerley Dialogue with Kathy Butterly

A public conversation between the artist and a Skidmore College faculty member (to be announced).

The exhibition is free and open to the public. The Tang Teaching Museum, located on the Skidmore College campus at 815 N. Broadway in Saratoga Springs, New York, is open Tuesday–Sunday, noon–5 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursdays.

Meet Baby Girl!

Baby Girl came to us on November 18th, 2025 after her owner passed away. She definitely does not enjoy visits from the other kitties at the center. Because of this, she will do best as an only kitty in a quieter home. Baby Girl is about 8 years old, loves to chat and is an expert pet receiver. She is ready to find her forever home and leave the cat adoption center to be with someone who will have daily conversations with her and give her all of the attention she demands. Baby Girl will curl up on your lap within seconds of sitting down, so be prepared to take a break throughout your day with this affectionate kitty. As with most cats, it is all on her terms. She is ready to break free of the cat adoption center and qualifies for our senior to senior program. 

Online adoption applications may be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org. The Pet Adoption Center is located in Wilton Mall and is open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment.

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2026

 Blotter Report

Jan. 14- Jan. 21 

January 14, 2026. 2:32 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Village of South Glens Falls on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 14, 2026. 3:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 15, 2026. 3:09 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, aggravated DWI BAC of .18 or higher- first offense, equipment violation: substandard lights, motor vehicle license violation: no license, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on the highway. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Circular Street and Lake Avenue. 

January 15, 2026. 6:46 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, operating a motor vehicle without inspection certification, motor vehicle violation: registration suspended and license plate violation: improper plates. Arrest occurred on Ballston Ave. 

January 15, 2026. 11:07 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of general local law violation. Arrest occurred on Broadway. 

January 15, 2026. 11:43 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance: 1/8 oz of meth- intent to sell, 4th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance: meth and 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance- intent to sell. Arrest occurred on Vanderbilt Avenue. 

January 15, 2026. 12:08 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, felony aggravated DWI: with a child-passenger less than 16- first offense and misdemeanor acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 15, 2026. 1:28 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of trespassing. Arrest occurred on Greenridge Place. 

January 15, 2026. 1:28 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Porter Corners resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle violation: registration suspended and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Broadway and Congress Street. 

January 15, 2026. 1:35 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of trespassing. Arrest occurred on Greenridge Place. 

January 15, 2026. 5:05 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. 

January 15, 2026. 5:20 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of aggravated 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle violation, registration suspended, operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Broadway and Caroline Street. 

January 15, 2026. 6:15 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Stillwater resident in the Town of Stillwater on charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief: intent to damage property. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 15, 2026. 6:52 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of petit larceny. Arrest occurred on South Broadway. 

January 15, 2026. 9:55 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Greenfield Center individual in the Town of Moreau on charges of DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 15, 2026. 10:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an individual in the Town of Milton on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. Incident occurred March 1, 2025, in the Town of Wilton.

January 15, 2026. 10:58 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate, operating a motor vehicle without insurance and motor vehicle violation: registration suspended. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Ludlow Street and Union Avenue. 

January 16, 2026. 12:21 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Granville resident on charges of DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or more, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway, operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate and failure to obey a traffic control device. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Circular Street and Union Avenue.

January 16, 2026. 1:40 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 16, 2026. 6:34 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Schenectady resident on charges of 2nd degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia: package and 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance: cocaine. Arrest occurred on Tait Lane. 

January 16, 2026. 8:57 a.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor aggravated 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 17, 2026. 2:18 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a resident of Clifton Park on charges of lease/rent/loan vehicle without interlock to person with restriction, moving from lane unsafely, aggravated 2nd degree unlicensed operation: committing offense with alcohol/ drugs and DWI: 2 previous convictions within 10 years. Arrest occurred at intersection of Route 9 and Driscoll Road. 

January 17, 2026. 2:21-38 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a resident of Woodbridge, CT on charges of 2 counts of third-degree criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property over $250 in value, 2nd degree harassment: physical contact and attempted criminal mischief: intent to damage property. 

January 17, 2026. 4:47 a.m.- New York State Police arrested two Mechanicville residents in the Town of Malta on charges of felony aggravated family offense- more than one offense within the last five years and felony 1st degree criminal contempt: violating order of protection- physical contact. Central arraignment. 

January 17, 2026. 9:50 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor motor vehicle violation: registration suspended. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 17, 2026. 5:55 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 17, 2026. 8:02-8:06 p.m.- New York State Police arrested two Gansevoort residents in the Town of Wilton. The first was charged with misdemeanor petit larceny and the second was charged with misdemeanor 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administration- prevent official function. Appearance tickets issued. 

January 17, 2026. 9:26 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and misdemeanor aggravated DWI- BAC of .18 or higher. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 17, 2026. 10:26 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a juvenile from Tonawanda, NY and a juvenile from Syracuse, NY in the Town of Wilton. The Syracuse juvenile was charged with felony 4th degree criminal possession of stolen property: motor vehicle- not motorcycle, misdemeanor 3rd degreeunlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle: without owner consent, 2nd degree reckless endangerment, 6th degree conspiracy, and 5th degree criminal possession of stolen property. 

The Tonawanda juvenile was charged with felony 4th degree criminal possession of stolen property: motor vehicle- not motorcycle, misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle: without owner consent 6th degree conspiracy, and 5th degree criminal possession of stolen property. 

Family court appearance tickets issued. 

January 17, 2026. 11:19 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Round Lake resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 18, 2026. 3:39 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of DWI-first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 18, 2026. 5:35 p.m.- New York State Police arrested two Ballston Spa residents in the Town of Milton on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny and misdemeanor 6th degree conspiracy. Appearance tickets issued. 

January 18, 2026. 11:35 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 19, 2026. 1:45 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 19, 2026.  6:17 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Town of Halfmoon. Arrest stems from harassment incident in the Town of Malta. Charges not listed. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 19, 2026. 9:09 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 19, 2026. 9:35 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and aggravated DWI BAC of .18 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 19, 2026. 11:28 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 20, 2026. 8:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs Resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a two vehicle crash on Interstate 87 with no injuries reported. 

January 20, 2026. 4:03 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred in the Town of Wilton on Dec. 18, 2025. Investigation is still pending.  

Belmont Tickets on Sale Feb. 12

Junior Alvarado atop Sovereignty, winner of the 2025 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga. Photo by Angelo Lieto, provided by NYRA.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced on Tuesday that tickets and hospitality offerings for the final Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at the Saratoga Race Course will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. at BelmontStakes.com/tickets.

This year will mark the third and final edition of Belmont at Saratoga. Beginning in 2027, the Belmont Stakes will return to its permanent home on Long Island at the newly-constructed Belmont Park.

Highlighted by the 158th running of the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6, the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be held from Wednesday, June 3, through Sunday, June 7.

Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 21, and continuing through Tuesday, Jan. 27, fans may enter a presale drawing at NYRA.com/belmont-stakes/presale/ for the chance to purchase reserved seating and hospitality packages in advance of the general public on-sale.

Fans selected at random will be notified beginning Thursday, Jan. 29, and in the ensuing days, with the opportunity to purchase Belmont Stakes Festival tickets based on available inventory. Entering the pre-sale drawing does not guarantee the ability to purchase tickets, nor does it prevent fans from participating in the public on-sale offering on Feb. 12.

Belmont Stakes Day General Admission tickets will be available for the same price as last year: $75 for adults and $20 for children ages 4 to 12. Admission is $30 for adults on Friday, June 5, and $10 on each of the other festival days. Admission is free for children 12 and under on each day other than Saturday, June 6. In addition, fans may purchase a five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival admission bundle for $120.

Fan-related protocols will reflect a continuation of policies that were introduced for the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

The opening and closing days of the Festival, Wednesday, June 3, and Sunday, June 7, will feature policies that align with the traditional Saratoga summer meet, including the opportunity for fans to bring alcohol into the backyard in small personal coolers.

Outside alcohol may not be brought into the venue from Thursday, June 4, through Saturday, June 6; however, fans may carry food and non-alcoholic beverages into Saratoga Race Course during these days provided the items are stored in personal coolers.

With the new Belmont Park to re-open in September for live racing, 2026 will mark the final year of adjustments to the customary racing schedule at Saratoga. In 2027, Belmont Park will once again host the Belmont Stakes and July 4th Racing Festivals, while Saratoga will revert to its traditional 40-day summer meet.

Patricia Ann Resch (née Miggins)

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Patricia Ann Resch (née Miggins), 72, passed January 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Calling hours are January 24 from 4-6 pm at Burke Funeral Home. Memorial donations to American Brain Foundation, American Brain Foundation, 201 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55415 or americanbrainfoundation.org. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Susan A. (Mackey) Gratton

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Susan A. (Mackey) Gratton passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of St. Peter, 10 am, Saturday, January 24, 2026. Memorial donations to Hospice of Saratoga County. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.