Saratoga County Court

Gregory Adams, 47, of Malta, pleaded to grand larceny in the fourth-degree charged October 2023. Sentencing June 28. 

Anthony J. Torres, 25, of Waterford, pleaded to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first-degree, charged April 2023 in Greenfield, and robbery in the third-degree, charged in Waterford January 2024. Sentencing June 28.

Travis L. Smith, 23, of Greenfield Center, pleaded to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, charged January 2023. Sentencing June 28. 

Jammel A. Dillon, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 2-1/2 to 5 years after pleading to felony robbery, and 1 year after pleading to misdemeanor assault, charged 2023 in Mechanicville. Sentences to run concurrently. 

John A. Speigel, Jr., 33, of Wappingers Falls, pleaded to felony DWI, charged February 2024 in Wilton. Sentencing May 21. 

Clint J. Clark, 51, of Cohoes, pleaded to felony DWI charged December 2023 in Waterford. Sentencing July 11. 

Dominic Bradfute, 26, of South Glens Falls, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to unlawful surveillance in the second-degree, a felony, charged June 2023 in Moreau. 

Brandon Bakerian, 41, of Whitehall, pleaded to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged November 2023 in Wilton. Sentencing Aug. 5. 

Mark P. Ottati, 34, of Schenectady, pleaded to felony DWI, charged December 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing June 25. 

Shahid Smith, 43, was sentenced to an aggregate term of 31-1/2 years in a state correctional facility followed by a post-release supervision of 3 years, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen announced April 30. 

The sentences were imposed after a trial jury found Smith guilty of four counts criminal sale, and four counts criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree, and one count each criminal sale and criminal possession in the fifth-degree, Heggen reported. The evidence at trial indicated that Smith sold fentanyl, cocaine and crystal methamphetamine on four different occasions in Saratoga County during December 2022, Heggen added. 

To date, there have been 277 overdoses – 17 of them fatal this year in Saratoga County. In 2023, there were 727 overdoses with 39 fatalities countywide. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office

Members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office’s Narcotics Unit and Special Operations Team executed a search warrant at 11 Liberty St. in the village of Corinth following a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking in Saratoga County. As a result of the investigation and warrant service, Nicholas E. Harwood (age 35) of Corinth was arrested and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree: one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree.

Harwood is accused of possessing and selling quantities of crack cocaine and cocaine throughout Saratoga County. He was arraigned before the Honorable Ellwood A. Sloat, Jr., in the Malta Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail, bond, or partially secured bond, pending further action in the matter.

NY State Police

State Police of Clifton Park received a complaint of an erratic vehicle in the area of Clifton Country Road in Clifton Park. Troopers located a vehicle matching the caller’s description and stopped it on State Route 146 with the assistance of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. The driver was identified as Steven P. Foster, 61, of Clifton Park. Foster was arrested for Driving While intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic violations. He was transported to SP Clifton Park for processing, where he recorded a 0.21% BAC. Foster was issued tickets returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court and released.

State Police of Saratoga arrested Frank W. Grasso, 21, of Waterford, for Criminal Possession of Cannabis in the first degree, a class “D” felony, and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. Troopers stopped a vehicle on State Route 9 in Saratoga Springs for Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The driver was identified as Grasso. Further investigation discovered more than 20 pounds of cannabis in Grasso’s vehicle. Grasso was arrested and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. He was arraigned at the Malta Town Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

-The Sheriff’s Office received a call of a domestic incident on April 20, that reportedly occurred on N.Y.S. Route 29 in the town of Galway. Investigation into the matter led to the arrest of Jose C. Sartin (age 30) of Middle Grove, who was charged with robbery in the 3rd degree (class D felony), and assault in the 3rd degree (class A misdemeanor). Sartin is accused of striking another person to the facial area resulting in physical injury and of forcibly stealing property from that person. He was arraigned before the Honorable Timothy M. Brown in the Milton Town Court and released on his own recognizance pending further action in the matter.

-The Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance call on Howe Road in the town of Corinth on March 30. Investigation into the matter led to the arrest on April 20 of Samuel E. Paquin (age 60) of Greenfield, who was charged with criminal mischief in the 2nd degree (class D felony) and reckless endangerment in the 2nd degree (class A misdemeanor). Paquin is accused of intentionally ramming another person’s vehicle with his own resulting in damage in an amount that exceeded $1,500. He is also accused of recklessly engaging in conduct that created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person. He was ordered to be released on an appearance ticket by the Honorable Michael T. Woodcock of the Corinth Town Court pending further action in the matter.

On Feb. 20, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a stabbing call involving a 16-year-old victim on Redfield Park in the town of Clifton Park. Investigation into the incident identified two adolescent male offenders and an adult male as having participated in the stabbing. 

The two were each charged with assault in the 1st degree and gang assault in the 1st degree (class B felonies). Both were arraigned and released to the custody of their guardians pending further action in the matter. 

The adult male, Coray A. Marrero (age 19) of Queens, NY, was charged with the same offenses as the juveniles as well as robbery in the 2nd degree (class C felony). Marrero was arrested in Queens by the NYPD on separate charges and turned over to the Sheriff’s Office on April 19. He was arraigned before the Honorable Timothy M. Brown and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail, bond, or partially secured bond pending further action in the matter.

The victim was transported to Albany Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery for potentially life-threatening injuries.

During the course of the investigation into the stabbing, it was discovered that the incident was in retaliation for a robbery that had occurred at the Walmart in the town of Halfmoon on Feb. 13. It is alleged that during this incident, a juvenile male was forced into a vehicle and robbed at gunpoint.

As a result of this investigation, Tyler J. Reed (age 20) of Schenectady, one adolescent male offender, and one juvenile male offender were charged with robbery in the 1st degree and kidnapping in the 2nd degree (class B felonies). One of the charged persons was the stabbing victim in the Clifton Park incident.

Reed was arraigned before the Honorable Katherine Suchocki in the Halfmoon Town Court on Feb. 28, and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail, insured bond, or partially secured bond to await further action in the matter. The adolescent male offender was arraigned and remanded to a secure detention facility in lieu of bail pending further proceedings in the matter, and the juvenile male offender was arraigned and released to a guardian pending further proceedings in the matter.

Saratoga County Court 

Sara N. Babinski, 35, of Schuylerville, pleaded April 11 to DWAI, a felony, charged January 20 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing June 20. 

Jose A. Guity, 25, of The Bronx, pleaded April 12 to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, a felony, charged Feb. 23 in Saratoga Springs, and attempted assault in the second-degree, a felony, charged Feb. 24 in Milton. Sentencing June 28. 

Jacob Saunders, 21, of Malta, was sentenced April 12 to 1 year incarceration, after pleading to aggravated family offense, a felony, charged August 2023 in Malta. 

Kevin N. Loy, 37, of Halfmoon, pleaded April 17 to felony DWI. Sentencing June 26. 

Louis Reyes, 28, of Cohoes, pleaded to criminal contempt in the first-degree, a felony, charged May 2023 in Waterford. Sentencing June 26. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Dept

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a suspicious person call on U.S. Route 9 in the town of Halfmoon on April 14, at 8:57 a.m. As a result of the investigation, the following person was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felony), and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 4th degree (class C felony): Scott D. Retell, 43, of Saratoga Springs. Retell is accused of possessing a narcotic drug with the intent to sell it and of possessing a narcotic drug with an aggregate weight of 1/8 ounce or more. He was in the Halfmoon Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail without bail pending further action in the matter. 

On April 11, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of possible child abuse at a daycare facility in the Town of Halfmoon. Following an investigation into the incident, Hannah J. Bunce, 63, of Mechanicville, was arrested and charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Harassment in the second-degree. Bunce was processed and released with appearance tickets. She is scheduled to appear in Halfmoon Town Court at a later date.

New York State Police 

On April 15, State Police of Saratoga charged Elizabeth N. Burns, 29, of Grover, North Carolina, with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second-degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh-degree.  On April 15 at about 3:32 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle on I-87 in Saratoga Springs, for multiple suspected Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The passenger in the vehicle was identified as Burns.  Further investigation allegedly revealed Burns was illegally in possession of a loaded handgun and a controlled substance. The driver was issued tickets for the Vehicle and Traffic law violations and released. Burns was arrested and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. She was arraigned at the Malta Town Court and released to pre-trial services under the supervision of the Saratoga County Probation Department. 

On April 13, State Police of Clifton Park charged Anthony J. Cafararo Jr., 58, of Clifton Park, with Grand Larceny in the third-degree, Grand Larceny in the fourth-degree, and Petit Larceny.  On Dec. 1, 2023, Troopers received a complaint reporting money had been stolen from a Saratoga County resident’s bank account. The investigation determined that Cafararo Jr. had access to the victim’s bank card to obtain groceries for the elderly victim.  Cafararo Jr. allegedly used that bank card to withdraw more than $10,000 at multiple ATMs without notifying the victim or having permission.  The money was never returned to the victim. Cafararo Jr. was transported to SP Clifton Park, where he was processed.  Cafararo Jr. was issued an appearance ticket returnable to multiple courts on later dates. 

Saratoga County Court

Brad C. Cittadino, 49, of Stillwater, was sentenced April 11 to 3 years incarceration and 2 years post-release supervision, after pleading to criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree, a felony. 

Matthew T. McGraw, 43, of Clifton Park, was sentenced April 11 to 5 years of probation, after pleading to unlawful surveillance in the second-degree, a felony, in connection with events that occurred in the towns of Moreau, Clifton Park, and Halfmoon in 2023. 

Matthew W. Breen, 56, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded April 10 to sexual abuse in the first-degree, a felony, charged May 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing June 26. 

Timothy Perkins, 35, of Columbia, Kentucky, pleaded April 10 to criminal sexual act in the first-degree, a felony, charged June 2023 in Wilton. Sentencing June 26. 

Shannon A. Welch, 39, of Moreau, was sentenced April 9 to 1 year incarceration and 1 year post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, charged December 2022 in Moreau. 

Erica M. Twiss, 52, of Troy, pleaded April 9 to felony DWI, charged November 2023 in Waterford. Sentencing June 18. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

On April 9 at 10:50 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible deceased person at a residence on Middle Line Road in the town of Milton. Investigation into the matter led to the arrest of Ronald G. Rayher, 69, of Milton and the charges of manslaughter in the 2nd degree (class C felony) and tampering with physical evidence (class E felony). It is alleged that Rayher recklessly caused the death of another person on April 5, 2024, at his home in the town of Milton. 

The victim was identified as Thomas J. Krider, 40, of Ticonderoga. Krider had been reported as a missing person on April 6, 2024 in Ticonderoga. It is also alleged that Rayher tampered with and suppressed evidence after the incident. Rayher was arraigned at the Milton Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail, bond, or partially secured bond pending further action in the matter. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New York State Police Forensic Identification Unit, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ticonderoga Police Department.

Alex C. Sims, 34, of Corinth, was charged with two counts of rape in the 3rd degree (class E felonies), the Saratoga Country Sheriff’s Office announced April 15. It is alleged that on Feb. 20, and March 10, in the town of Greenfield, Sims engaged in sexual intercourse with another person and did so without such person’s consent by reason of some factor other than incapacitation. Sims was arraigned at Malta Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail pending further action in the matter. 

New York State Police

The New York State Police issued more than 21,500 tickets during this year’s ‘Operation Hang Up’ traffic enforcement period, which took place from April 1 to April 8 and targeted drivers using electronic devices while behind the wheel.

In the Troop G Albany Region, this included 1,667 total tickets. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationwide in 2022, 3,308 people were killed in crashes caused by distracted driving.

During the April 2023 Operation Hang Up campaign, State Police issued more than 23,000 total tickets, including 4,246 tickets for distracted driving. The tickets written were a combination of talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, texting, or using an electronic device while driving.

On April 9, 2024, State Police charged Nicholas J. Mcgraw, 30, of Watervliet, with Assault in the third-degree, after Troopers responded to the parking garage entrance of P2 at the Capital in Albany, for the report of a physical altercation. The investigation determined Mcgraw and a victim were reportedly in a road rage incident, which resulted in contact and damage to each of their vehicles while on I-787 in Menands, police said.  Mcgraw followed the victim to the location where he allegedly removed the driver from their vehicle and assaulted them. The victim was transported to Albany Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Mcgraw was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Albany City Court on May 6, and released.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

CLIFTON PARK — The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Extra Space Storage in the town of Clifton Park for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Investigation into the incident resulted in the arrest of the following persons for burglary in the 3rd degree (class D felony), criminal possession of stolen property in the 5th degree, and petit larceny (class A misdemeanors): Michael J. DeMartino, Jr., 40, of Stillwater, and Kristin M. Frisch, 41, of Gloversville.

DeMartino and Frisch are alleged to have made unlawful entry into the Extra Space Storage and to have stolen property from various storage units. Both were released on appearance tickets returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court. 

GREENFIELD – Resulting from an incident in the town of Greenfield on March 24, Joseph J. Samascott, 48, of Greenfield was arrested on March 29, 2024, and charged with eight counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree (class D felonies), and criminal mischief in the 3rd degree (class E felony). Samascott is accused of possessing assault weapons and several large capacity ammunitions feeding devices, and of intentionally damaging property belonging to another in an amount exceeding $250. He was arraigned in the Milton Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail, bond, or partially secured bond pending further action in the matter.

HALFMOON — On March 30, at 12:21 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Eastwood Drive in the town of Halfmoon for a report of a disturbance involving a male wearing a mask and armed with a knife. Investigation into the incident resulted in the arrest of Alejandro Garcia, 25, of Halfmoon, for assault in the 2nd degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree (class D felonies) and menacing in the 2nd degree (class A misdemeanor). Garcia is alleged to have caused physical injury to another person by means of a weapon, and to have placed that person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury, or death by displaying a knife. The victim, who was known to Mr. Garcia, was treated at the scene by Clifton Park – Halfmoon EMS and sought treatment at a local hospital via private transport. Garcia was arraigned in the Clifton Park Town Court where he was released on his own recognizance pending further action in the matter.

HALFMOON — On March 29, at 10:58 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a domestic incident in the town of Halfmoon. Following an investigation, Jeffrey C. Palin, 53, of Halfmoon was charged with reckless endangerment in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (class D felonies). Palin is alleged to have discharged a firearm in the midst of a domestic incident creating a grave risk of death to another person. He was arraigned in the Waterford Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail and scheduled to appear in court at a later date. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. 

Saratoga County Court 

Jennifer M. Landry, 40, of Mechanicville, was sentenced April 3 to 1-1/2 years to 3 years’ incarceration, after pleading to promoting prison contraband in the first-degree, charged March 2022. 

Nicholas C. Eckhardt, 42, of Rochester, was sentenced April 3 to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to disseminating indecent materials to minors, in the first-degree, charged February 2023 in Galway. 

Bo J. Effner, 40, of Rotterdam, pleaded April 2 to felony DWI, charged October 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing June 13. 

New York State Police

On March 30, State Police arrested Tieli Wang, 54, of Queensbury, for multiple counts of Forcible Touching, Sexual Abuse 3rd degree, and Education Law 6512-Unauthorized Practice of Profession. The arrest stems from two separate incidents involving women who received massages from Wang at Lily Spa in the town of Queensbury.  A preliminary investigation determined that Wang provided services at his business that he was not authorized to perform and inappropriately touched the victims during the unauthorized services.

Saratoga County Court

Ralph Hobbs, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced March 20 to 1 year in local jail, after pleading to failure to register as a sex offender. 

Christopher H. Chisena, 55, of Waterford, was sentenced March 20 to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged October 2023 in Waterford. 

Kevin P. Masterson, 52, of Stillwater, pleaded March 22 to criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, a felony, charged Mar 2023. Sentencing May 24. 

Joseph Harold Murauskas, 45, of Corinth, was sentenced March 22 to 8 years’ incarceration, after pleading to attempted assault in the first-degree, charged March 2023 in Corinth.   

Christopher L. Crispell, 41, of Waterford, pleaded March 21 to felony grand larceny, charged July 2023 in Stillwater. Sentencing May 23. 

Vincent L. Avila, 24, of Schenectady, was sentenced to 10 years’ probation, after pleading to rape in the third-degree, charged January 2021 in Malta. 

Leona A. McLean, 32, of Albany, pleaded March 21 to criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth-degree, charged February 2023 in Malta. Sentencing May 30. 

Lisa J. Davis, 44, of Halfmoon, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years’ incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged April 2023.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

On March 21, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team and Narcotics Unit, in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Saratoga Springs Police Department, executed a search warrant at Quevic Drive in Saratoga Springs.

Tamaryn H. Bennett, 25, of Saratoga Springs was arrested and charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (class A-II felonies); 6 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies); 1 count of criminal manufacture of an undetectable firearm (class D felony); and 11 counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree (class D felonies). 

As a result of the investigation that led to the search warrant and the execution of the search warrant, large quantities of illicit drugs were seized including methamphetamine, fentanyl, Xanax, suboxone, and cocaine. In addition, multiple 3D printers were seized as well as 3D-printed firearm receivers for handguns and a MAC-10 machine gun, a 3D printed firearm silencer, and several high-capacity ammunition devices.

Subsequent to the search warrant at Quevic Drive, an additional search warrant was executed on a property on Shippee Road in the town of Day where an AR-15 and several high-capacity magazines were seized.

Bennett was arraigned in the Milton Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail or bond pending further action in the matter.

On March 22, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a sexual assault that reportedly occurred in the town of Milton on March 19. Following an investigation, Sean M. Cherven, 38, of Milton, was charged with one count of rape in the 1st degree (class B felony). It is alleged Cherven engaged in sexual intercourse with another by means of forcible compulsion. He was arraigned at Milton Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail pending further action in the matter.

Saratoga Springs Police Department 

On March 25 at approximately 5:30 p.m., information was received by the Special Investigations Unit of the Saratoga Springs Police Department that a subject with several outstanding warrants was in the city. Officers were able to locate the suspect in a vehicle traveling on South Broadway, and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and the suspect. Thomas McCall, 35, of Rensselaer, was taken into custody without incident. According to police, a Smith and Wesson .357 handgun was located during the traffic stop, Additionally, a small amount of illegal narcotics were located. 

McCall was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony; Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor. 

New York State Police

The New York State Police announced that it issued 5,576 tickets during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement initiative. The campaign began on Friday, March 15, and continued until Sunday, March 17. During the campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, State Police utilized sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and underage drinking and sales to minors detail. State Police also ticketed distracted drivers who use handheld electronic devices. State Troopers arrested 132 people for DWI and investigated 199 crashes, which resulted in 25 people being injured and no fatalities. As part of the enforcement, Troopers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the State. Total tickets issued included: Speeding – 1,788; Distracted Driving – 124, Seatbelt violations – 201; Move Over Law – 44. During last year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period, the State Police issued 9,106 tickets and arrested 196 people for DWI. Specifically in the Capital Region Troop designation, 107 total tickets were issued. 

Saratoga Springs Police Department

On March 16, at approximately 10:30 a.m., members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department Patrol Division observed the Woodlawn Avenue public parking garage when they observed two individuals enter the vestibule and begin to allegedly engage in the smoking of an illegal substance. After speaking with those involved, a subject identified as 43-year-old Schenectady resident Derek Labutta was detained and arrested for illegally possessing a loaded firearm and numerous narcotics violations. Labutta was arraigned in City Court and held pending a future court date. 

Two days later, Labutta was pronounced dead at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility. The Sheriff’s Office reported it was investigating the death of an incarcerated person that was reported at 7:12 p.m. on March 18. Labutta had been found alone in his cell and lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, according to the county Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation exercised its jurisdiction due to the death of a person in a jail. 

Man Charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident, Saratoga Hospital Evacuated After Bomb Threat: A 31-year-old man was charged with falsely reporting an incident, a felony, in connection with an alleged bomb threat at Saratoga Hospital on March 21. 

At approximately 8 a.m. on March 21, the Saratoga Springs Police Department was contacted by Saratoga Hospital Staff regarding statements made by someone treated and released by the hospital allegedly claiming to be in possession of bomb while in the Emergency Department. Saratoga Hospital began to evacuate the Emergency Department and Patrol Division members responded to the hospital and located the person suspected of making the threat, according to police. 

After a sweep by an explosive detection canine team, it was determined that the suspect did not possess a bomb.

The suspect, Jonathan Gardner, of Schenectady, was arrested and taken to the police department for processing and charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident in the second-degree. Gardner was processed and arraigned in City Court and held pending a future court appearance and $500 cash bail, $2,500 partial bond, or $5,000 bond.

Saratoga County Court

Tiffany M. Salak, 35, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded March 15 to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, a felony, charged July 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing May 17. 

Ryan T. Matatall, 39, of Gansevoort, pleaded March 15 to driving while ability impaired by drugs, a felony, charged October 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing May 17. 

Michael A. Rouse, 25, of Troy, pleaded March 18 to criminal possession of a firearm, a felony, charged April 2023 in Waterford. Sentencing May 28. 

Matthew J. Gifford, 30, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded March 18 to felony DWI, charged February 2024 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing May 20. 

William A. Perry, 44, of Mechanicville, was sentenced March 20 to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged June 2022 in Saratoga Springs. 

Lauren J. Demetreus, 29, of Malta, pleaded March 21 to felony DWI, charged October 2023. Sentencing May 30.  

John V. Mattison, 58, of Queensbury, was sentenced to 5 days’ incarceration and 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged November 2023. 

Saratoga County Court 

Kathleen M. Callanan, 62, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 1 year in local jail, after pleading to felony grand larceny. 

Cassandra R. Barden, 38, homeless, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration after pleading to felony attempted assault, charged in Milton. 

Ashley Vetrano, 35, of Glens Falls, pleaded to felony robbery, charged in Moreau. Sentencing May 23. 

Gabrielle Montanye, 63, of Stillwater, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony attempted identity theft, charged in Ballston Spa. 

Daniel J. Koenig, III, 53, of Round Lake, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to felony criminal mischief, charged in Wilton in 2023.   

Dominic Bradfute, 25, of South Glens Falls, pleaded to unlawful surveillance in the second-degree, charged June 2023 in Moreau. Sentencing April 25. 

Steven T. Stangle, 41, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison, after pleading to felony DWI, charged in Clifton Park in 2023. 

Eugene R. Lavelle, 35, of Mechanicville, was sentenced to 8 months incarceration, after pleading to failure to register or verify as a sex offender. 

Andrew J. Kenyon, 41, of Galway, was sentenced to 2.5 years incarceration and 1 year post-release supervision, after pleading to criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Bradin M. Marble, 33, of South Glens Falls, was sentenced to 2.5 to 5 years in state prison, after pleading to felony burglary, charged in Corinth in 2023. 

Michelle P. Donovan, 38, of South Glens Falls, was sentenced to 2 years incarceration and 1 year post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree, charged in Corinth in 2023. 

Robert F. Stevenson, 41, of South Glens Falls, was sentenced to 1-1/2 years incarceration and 1 year post-release supervision, after pleading to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, charged in Moreau in 2023. 

Robert Stocklas, Jr., was sentenced to 1 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged in Mechanicville in 2023. 

Alicia L. Marcotte, 35, of Hadley, pleaded to DWAI, charged in Corinth in 2023. Sentencing May 15. 

Zachary Michaels, 29, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged December 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing May 15. 

John J. Dominy, 53, of Albany, pleaded to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, charged June 2023 in Wilton. Sentencing May 8. 

Justin L. Mayer, 41, of Schuylerville, was sentenced to 1 year incarceration, after pleading to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, charged July 2023 in the town of Saratoga. 

Danielle N. Pereira, 34, of Newburgh, was sentenced to 1-1/3 to 4 years in state prison, after pleading to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, charged 2022 in Clifton Park. 

Noah Hughes, 34, of Schenectady, pleaded to attempted criminal possession of stolen property in the third-degree, charged February 2023 in Malta. Sentencing May 2. 

New York State Police

On March 13, State Police of Wilton arrested Sandra A. Villafane, 53, of Saratoga Springs, for Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person in the first-degree and Harassment in the second-degree.

On March 13, Chantal A. St. Claire, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was also arrested for Falsifying Business Records in the first-degree, Falsifying Business Records in the second-degree, and Making a Punishable False Written Statement.

On March 2, Troopers responded to a Capital District Department of Developmental Services Offices (DDSO) care facility located on Alpine Meadows Road in the Town of Greenfield, for an abuse allegation. It was alleged that an employee of the facility, identified as Villafane, was witnessed striking and causing injury to a non-verbal resident of the facility who is diagnosed with multiple developmental disabilities. Notification was made to the New York State Justice Center, and the facility administration was fully cooperative with the investigation. During the investigation, it was discovered that records were entered by St. Claire into Capital District DDSO business logs showing that the victim had sustained the alleged injury earlier in the day and not as a result of Villafane’s reported abuse. Further investigation revealed that Villafane and St. Claire were communicating regarding the allegations and St. Claire’s actions to falsify business records to conceal evidence of abuse. Villafane was arrested and processed at SP Wilton.  St. Claire was arrested in Saratoga Springs, and transported to SP Wilton for processing. 

Saratoga County Court

Saratoga County District attorney Karen Heggen announced 49-year-old Anthony Gargano of Gansevoort pleaded guilty in Milton Town Court on March 5 to a violation of the state Agricultural and Markets Law, a misdemeanor, in connection with a Jan. 4 incident. An investigation by the county Sheriff’s Office revealed that Gargano abandoned a cat, named Kane, after regular business hours outside the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, Heggen said, and that on Shelter cameras, Gargano is seen leaving the cat without shelter and driving away. That night, the temperature dropped to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit. To date, Kane the cat has not been located. 

Gargano was sentenced to pay $755 in fines and fees and to provide a DNA sample for inclusion in the state DNA Databank. Gargano was sentenced to a conditional discharge which requires the defendant to, among other things, not own, harbor, or have custody of any animal for a period of 50 years.      

Twenty-three year old Schoharie man Timothy J. Felman was sentenced in Saratoga County Court to 2-to-6 years in a state correctional facility in connection with his July 2023 arrest for possessing a loaded “ghost gun” in downtown Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen announced. 

A Caroline Street bouncer located a firearm on the defendant’s person as he attempted to enter a local bar during the early morning hours of July 23, 2023. The bouncer immediately flagged down nearby members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department who quickly approached the defendant, took possession of the firearm, and led the defendant away from the crowded street. 

Upon closer inspection, police determined that the firearm did not possess a valid serial number and was therefore an untraceable, illegal “ghost gun.” The defendant, a former Schoharie County Corrections Officer, later admitted that he had purchased the firearm components online and built it himself, Heggen said.     

George Chillis, 34, homeless, pleaded to felony aggravated criminal contempt, charged December 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing May 6.  

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office

Following an investigation into the sales of heroin and fentanyl throughout Saratoga County, Thomas J. Darrah, 36, of South Glens Falls, and Abigail M. Murphy, 31, of Greenwich, were each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal sale of a controlled substance – class B felonies. Darrah was additionally charged with felony criminal nuisance. 

Peter J. Rupp, 44, of Troy, was charged with aggravated criminal contempt, and criminal contempt – both felonies, and unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image – a misdemeanor, following a complaint of harassment involving dissemination or publication of intimate images in the town of Milton.  

Joshua M. Bell, 38, of Watervliet, was charged with felony grand larceny, and falsifying business records in the first-degree. He is alleged to have stolen money and falsified business records while working as the manager at New Country Toyota of Clifton Park Collision Center from August 2022 to August 2023.

NY State Police

State Police arrested Nicholas J. Lamboy, 54, of Clifton Park, for Menacing a Police Officer, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Imprisonment, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth degree, Menacing in the second-degree, Resisting Arrest, and Harassment in the second-degree. On March 3, at about 10:19 p.m., Troopers received a complaint. The victim reported while at a home in Clifton Park, Lamboy allegedly threatened them with a knife and held them against their will. The victim eventually left the home unharmed and immediately drove to SP Clifton Park to report the incident. Upon receiving the complaint, Troopers and Investigators responded to the home to interview Lamboy.  Lamboy was uncooperative with the investigation and refused to exit. During that time, Lamboy armed himself with a rifle and began walking towards Troopers. Eventually, Lamboy put the firearm down and was taken into custody, at which time he resisted arrest. The firearm involved was seized and found to contain an illegal high-capacity magazine.  

Lamboy was arraigned at the Clifton Park Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash, a $20,000 bond, or a $100,000 partially secured bond. 

Saratoga Springs Police Department

Margaret Cardamone, 66, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with DWI, and aggravated DWI. 

Carrieann Harter, 40, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal trespass in the second-degree. 

Amir Pomykal, 21, of Schenectady, was charged with criminal mischief in the second-degree. 

Timoth Sims, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal trespass in the second-degree.  

Joshua Usher, 31, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with aggravated family offense, criminal contempt, and criminal mischief in the third-degree.

Daniel Ramirez De Jesus, 24, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with assault in the third-degree. 

Anija Jacotin, 23, of Albany, was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, and two driving-related violations. 

Jonathan Emery, 32, no address listed, was charged with assault, criminal possession of a narcotic drug, and two counts criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

George Coleman, 36, of Milton, was charged with grand larceny, and criminal mischief.  

Jeremy Zepf, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with obstruct governmental administration, and criminal mischief.  

Kevin Cuva, 51, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal contempt, criminal trespass, and aggravated family offense. 

Isabell Seguin, 25, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was charged with DWI, and possession of a controlled substance. 

Joshawna Nomina, 21, of Troy, was charged with DWI.

Bobby Spearman, 57, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense. 

Netasha Carleton, 30, of Ballston Spa, was charged with assault.

Terrance Crawford, 38, of Hudson Falls, was charged with the felonies rape in the second-degree and criminal sex act in the second-degree, following an investigation initiated by a family member of the victim – whom is a minor, police said.  Crawford is a Level 2 Registered Sex Offender, with a previous conviction for rape in the third-degree, according to police.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office

On Feb. 23, the Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle on I-87 in the city of Saratoga Springs for an unsafe lane change. When the deputy approached the vehicle, the vehicle fled northbound on I-87, exiting at Exit 14, and continued westbound on NYS Route 9P when it abruptly stopped in the middle of traffic. The driver allegedly fled on foot into the area of Yaddo Gardens. 

Jose A. Guity, 25, of Queens, was subsequently taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit and charged with reckless endangerment in the first-degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree, resisting arrest, unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, reckless driving, moving from lane unsafely, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Guity is accused of traveling westbound on Route 9P in the eastbound lane while reaching a speed of approximately 75 mph in a 30-mph zone, in traffic. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Saratoga Springs Police Department.

Saratoga County Court

Tristan J. Mason, 21, of Halfmoon, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony burglary, charged January 2023. 

Keith R. Kulsha, 37, of Schenectady, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years’ incarceration, after pleading to felony grand larceny, charged December 2022. 

William C. Ferrara, 34, of Niskayuna, was sentenced to 4-1/2 years’ incarceration and 3 years’ post-release supervision, after pleading to felony assault, charged January 2023 in Ballston Spa. 

Dean J. Atwell, 35, of Middle Grove, pleaded to felony grand larceny, charged January 2024 in Galway. Sentencing April 24. 

Betsy M. Jablonski, 40, of Amsterdam, pleaded to felony grand larceny, charged October 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing April 24.  

NY State Police

State Police of Clifton Park, while on patrol, witnessed a two-car crash on I-87 in Wilton. One of the drivers was identified as John A. Spiegel Jr., 32, of Wappingers Falls.  Spiegel was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The driver and passenger of the second vehicle were transported to Saratoga Hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.  Spiegel was transported to SP Wilton for processing, where he refused to provide a sample to determine the alcohol content of his blood, according to police. Further investigations discovered Spiegel has had multiple DWI convictions in the last 10 years, police said. He was arraigned at the Milton Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without Bail.

State Police of Wilton charged Rosemary E. Gorman, 62, of Ballston Spa with Driving While Intoxicated, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing Governmental Administration in the second-degree. Gorman was transported to SP Wilton for processing, where she recorded a 0.20% BAC, police said.