State Police investigate a personal injury, leading to a DWI arrest in the town of Mooers
On February 23, 2025, at approximately 12:50 a.m., State Police arrested Michael J. Gallagher, a 23-year-old resident of Watervliet, NY, for driving while intoxicated.
The incident occurred on Saint Johns Road in the town of Mooers, where officers responded to a report of a personal injury accident. An investigation revealed that Gallagher was driving a blue 2016 Kia when he lost control of the vehicle, exited the roadway, and entered a ditch.
Champlain EMS was present at the scene, providing medical assistance to both Gallagher and his passenger, Alyssa T. Meachum, a 21-year-old from Chazy, NY. Gallagher declined medical attention, while Meachum was transported to CVPH for treatment of a possible hand injury.
During the interview, Gallagher exhibited signs of impairment. Troopers administered Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which he did not pass. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the State Police station in Champlain for processing, where he registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .14%.
Gallagher was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Mooers Court in March.
State Police Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Fraud Suspect
State Police in Lowville are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a female suspect involved in an identity theft case.
Surveillance footage from the Northern Federal Credit Union in Croghan, NY, captured the suspect impersonating another individual, and fraudulently withdrawing $3,200 from the victim’s bank account.The suspect reportedly presented a driver’s license in the victim’s name to complete the transaction. Anyone who recognizes the individual in the photo is asked to contact State Police at (315) 366-6000 and reference case #NY2500081387
State Police investigate an assault complaint in the town of Massena
On February 21, 2025, State Police arrested Darrien F. White, a 30-year-old resident of Akwesasne, Ontario, for third-degree assault.
On February 21, 2025, at approximately 10:02 p.m., State Police responded to an assault complaint on Roosevelt Road in the town of Massena. The investigation revealed that White and the victim were involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation, during which White struck the victim in the face, resulting in a broken nose.
The victim received treatment from Massena EMS for the broken nose but declined further treatment at the hospital.
White was arrested and taken to SP Massena for processing. He was later released on an appearance ticket, which is scheduled for a return date in March at the Town of Massena Court.
Indictments Unsealed in the Homicide Investigation of Robert Brooks
Oneida County, NY – On February 24, 2025, Oneida County Court Judge Robert Bauer unsealed an indictment returned by a specially empaneled Oneida County Grand Jury, which was convened exclusively to hear evidence in the investigation into the December 9, 2024, homicide of Marcy Correctional Facility incarcerated individual Robert Brooks, age 43.
As a result of this investigation, Nicholas J. Kieffer, age 33, of Whitesboro, NY, was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
- Murder in the Second Degree
- Manslaughter in the First Degree
- Gang Assault in the Second Degree
- Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James stated, “Today’s arrest is a testament to the relentless dedication and professionalism of our investigators. The brutal nature of this crime is deeply disturbing, and the level of violence inflicted upon Robert Brooks was egregious. Our members have worked tirelessly to ensure those responsible are held accountable. We hope this arrest brings some measure of justice to the family and loved ones of Mr. Brooks.”
The New York State Police extends its appreciation to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office and Medical Examiner’s Office for their critical assistance throughout this investigation.
The State Police were first notified of Robert Brooks’ death early in the morning on December 10, 2024. Our investigation commenced immediately, led by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Troop D.
Recognizing the complexity and seriousness of this case, we committed substantial resources, including expertise and support from the Special Investigations Unit, the Troop D Computer Crimes Unit, the Forensic Investigation Unit, and the Forensic Video Multimedia Services Unit.
These efforts included the investigation of over 400 separate leads, the analysis of hundreds of pieces of evidence, and the execution of 16 search warrants.
On February 20, 2025, the following individuals were arrested and arraigned in Oneida County Court for the following charges:
Nicholas J. Anzalone, age 44, from Lee Center, NY
- Murder 2nd degree, class “A-1” felony
- Manslaughter 1st degree, class “B” felony
- Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st degree, class “E” felony
David J. Kingsley II, age 44, from Adams, NY
- Murder 2nd degree, class “A-1” felony
- Manslaughter 1st degree, class “B” felony
Anthony R. Farina, age 49, from Oneida, NY
- Murder 2nd degree, class “A-1” felony
- Manslaughter 1st degree, class “B” felony
Christopher Walrath, age 36, from Little Falls, NY
- Murder 2nd degree, class “A-1” felony
- Manslaughter 1st degree, class “B” felony
Mathew J. Galliher, age 43, from Clinton, NY
- Murder 2nd degree, class “A-1” felony
- Manslaughter 1st degree, class “B” felony
- Gang Assault 2nd degree, class “C” felony
Michael Mashaw, age 47, from Boonville, NY
- Manslaughter 2nd degree, class “C” felony
Michael D. Fisher, age 54, from Rome, NY
- Manslaughter 2nd degree, class “C” felony
David K. Walters, age 36, from Rome, NY
- Manslaughter 2nd degree, class “C” felony
Nicholas J. Gentile, age 36, from New Hartford, NY
- Tampering with Physical Evidence, class “E” felony
This case remains an active and ongoing prosecution.
State Police investigate fire, vandalism involving DOCCS buses
On February 19, 2025, State Police received a report of vandalism involving two buses used to transport incarcerated individuals who are in the custody of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).
The buses, which are owned by a company contracted by DOCCS, were parked in a storage lot on State Route 370 in the town of Victory, Cayuga County.
The rear area of one of the buses sustained heavy fire damage, and a second bus had a message “can you hear us now” spray painted on one side.
Anyone who has information about this case is asked to contact NYS Police Troop E at 585-398-4100.
Troop C DWI arrests February 17 – 23, 2025
On February 17, 2025, at approximately 7:06 p.m., New York State Police at Stamford arrested Heidi Kathrine Roberts, age 70 of Stamford, NY for the misdemeanor of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Troopers were dispatched by the Delaware County 911 Center to a report of a vehicle traveling unusually slow on Main Street in the village of Stamford. Troopers located the described vehicle in a snowbank, still in drive in the parking lot of Dollar General. Troopers interviewing Roberts observed characteristics commonly associated with impairment. Roberts was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which confirmed impairment. Roberts was arrested and evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department. She was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Stamford Town Court on March 10, 2025, then turned over to a sober third party.
On February 17, 2025, at approximately 9:31 p.m., New York State Police at Oneonta arrested Lena A. Wilcox, age 45 for the misdemeanor of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Troopers on State Highway 23 observed a vehicle failing to keep right and crossing the hazard markings in the roadway and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle drove through a parking lot then on to another street and finally stopped on Silver Street. While interviewing Wilcox, Troopers observed characteristics commonly associated with impairment. Wilcox was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which confirmed impairment. She was arrested and transported to SP Norwich. Wilcox was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Norwich City Court on March 4, 2025.
On February 18, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., New York State Police at Sidney arrested Keely R. Elliott, age 28 of Unadilla, NY for the misdemeanor of Driving While Intoxicated. Troopers were dispatched by the Otsego County 911 Center to the report of a disabled vehicle on Sanly Road in the town of Unadilla. While asking Elliott about what happened, a Trooper smelled an odor of an alcoholic beverage. After performing Standardized Field Sobriety Tests poorly, Elliott was arrested. She was transported to SP Sidney where her reportable B.A.C was .17%. She was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Unadilla Town Court on March 18, 2025, then released to a sober third party.
On February 18, 2025, at approximately 10:20 p.m., New York State Police at Ithaca arrested Nathan C. Deeley, age 46 of Freeville, NY for the misdemeanor of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated. Troopers were advised by the Tompkins County 911 Center of a vehicle off the roadway and in the tree line on Dryden Road in the village of Freeville. A Trooper observed Deeley still behind the wheel of the running vehicle that was also still in drive. Deeley was not injured but while the Trooper was asking him about what happened, the Trooper smelled an odor of an alcoholic beverage. Deeley was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which confirmed impairment. Deeley was arrested and transported to SP Ithaca where his reportable B.A.C was .22%. Deeley was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Dryden Town Court on March 10, 2025, then turned over to the care of a sober third party.
On February 19, 2025, at approximately 8:44 p.m., New York State Police at Norwich arrested Adam J. Baer, age 46 of Greene, NY for the misdemeanor of Driving While Intoxicated. A Trooper on State Highway 12 in the town of Oxford observed a vehicle with vehicle and traffic violations and initiated a traffic stop. While interviewing Baer, the Trooper smelled an odor of an alcoholic beverage and characteristics associated with impairment. Baer was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which confirmed impairment. Baer was arrested and transported to SP Norwich where his reportable B.A.C was .10%. Baer was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Oxford Town Court on April 9, 2025, then turned over to a sober third party.
On February 19, 2025, at approximately 9:39 p.m., New York State Police at Oneonta arrested Amy S. Jones, age 41 of Oneonta, NY for the misdemeanor of Driving While Intoxicated. A Trooper on Main Street in Oneonta observed a vehicle swerving and in the wrong lane of travel when he initiated a traffic stop. While interviewing Jones, the Trooper smelled an odor of an alcoholic beverage and observed characteristics associated with impairment. After performing Standardized Field Sobriety Tests poorly, Jones was arrested. She was transported to to SP Oneonta and processed. Jones was issued appearance tickets to the Oneonta City Court on March 26, 2025, then released to a sober third party.
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 1:55 a.m., New York State Police at Oneonta arrested Hodson Cherestal, age 21 of Pearl River, NY for the misdemeanor of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated. Troopers on State Highway 28 in the town of Oneonta observed a vehicle move unsafely within its lane and other vehicle and traffic violations. A traffic stop was initiated on Courtyard Drive. While interviewing Cherestal, a Trooper smelled an odor of an alcoholic beverage. Cherestal was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which confirmed impairment. Cherestal was arrested and transported to SP Oneonta where his reportable B.A.C was .18%. Cherestal was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Oneonta Town Court on March 20, 2025, then released to a sober third party.
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 1:27 a.m., New York State Police at Binghamton arrested Tyree K. Campbell, age 44 of Derwood, MD for the misdemeanor of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated. While on Exchange Street in the city of Binghamton, Troopers came upon a vehicle that was stopped in the middle of the intersection of Exchange Street and Hawley Street. The Troopers went to check on the driver, who they observed to be displaying characteristics associated with impairment. Campbell was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which confirmed impairment. Campbell was arrested and transported to SP Binghamton where his reportable B.A.C was .18%. Campbell was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Binghamton City Court on April 4, 2025, then released to as sober third party.
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 7:17 a.m., New York State Police at Whitney Point arrested Haley E. Piech, age 29 of Lisle, NY for the misdemeanors of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree. A Trooper was advised by a concerned citizen about a woman who was slumped over the wheel of a running vehicle near Collins Street and Main Street in the town of Triangle. The Trooper arrived to find the vehicle still running with Piech asleep. The Trooper was able to wake Piech, who the Trooper observed to be displaying characteristics associated with impairment. After performing Standardized Field Sobriety Tests poorly, Piech was arrested. The Trooper also found a suspected illicit substance in the vehicle. Piech was transported to SP Whitney Point where she was additionally evaluated by a New York State Police Drug Recognition Expert. Piech was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Triangle Town Court on March 20, 2025, then turned over to a sober third party.
On February 21, 2025, at approximately 5:34 p.m., New York State Police at Stamford arrested Paul N. Benjamin, age 35 of Gilboa, NY for the misdemeanor of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Troopers on State Highway 23 in the town of Roxbury observed a vehicle with an expired inspection sticker and initiated a traffic stop. While interviewing Benjamin, Troopers smelled an odor of burnt cannabis. Benjamin was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which indicated impairment. Benjamin was arrested and transported to SP Margaretville where he was additionally evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert. Benjamin was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Roxbury Town Court on March 19, 2025, then turned over to a sober third party.
On February 22, 2025, at approximately 9:50 a.m., New York State Police at Oneonta arrested Paige A. Wallace, age 24 of Guilford, NY for the misdemeanors of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth degree. Troopers were dispatched by the Otsego County 911 Center to a report of a crash on State Highway 23 in the town of Morris. Troopers arrived to find that a vehicle went off the roadway and struck a guiderail. While interviewing Wallace, Troopers observed that she appeared impaired. Wallace was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which confirmed impairment. She was additionally found in possession of illicit substances and metal knuckles. Wallace was arrested and transported to SP Oneonta where she was additionally evaluated by a New York State Police Drug Recognition Expert. Wallace was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Morris Town Court on March 10, 2025.
On February 23, 2025, at approximately 2:48 a.m., New York State Police at Endwell arrested Cory J. Delaney, age 36 of Johnson City, NY for the misdemeanor of Driving While Intoxicated. Troopers observed a vehicle make vehicle and traffic violations while on Nanticoke Road and on East Main Street. A traffic stop was made on Vestal Parkway East. While interviewing Delaney, a Trooper smelled an odor of an alcoholic beverage along with characteristics associated with impairment. Delaney was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which confirmed impairment. Delaney was arrested and transported to SP Endwell. Delaney was processed then transported to the Broome County Correctional Facility for Centralized Arraignment.
