Traffic stop in the town of Rossie leads to drug arrest

On January 31st, 2025, New York State Police initiated a traffic stop on a pickup for an expired inspection in the town of Rossie, St. Lawrence County. The driver, Dennis J. Burns, of Gouverneur, New York, along with passengers Louis A. Massey, JR., and Heather L. Hayes, both of Antwerp, New York, were all found to have suspended licenses. Further investigation determined that Massey JR. had an active warrant out of St. Lawrence County.

A search of the vehicle was conducted, which resulted in the discovery of approximately 13 grams of methamphetamine, buprenorphine in unoriginal packaging, and cocaine.

Burns, Massey JR., and Hayes were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd, an A-II Felony, and were remanded to the St. Lawrence Correctional Facility without bail.

State Police arrest Albany man for possessing Child Pornography

On January 29, 2025, State Police of Latham, with the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arrested Jahmeek Brown, 25, of Albany, NY, for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “D” felony, and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “E” felony.

Brown is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation. His arrest followed an investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his residence in Albany, NY, on January 29, 2025. The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Brown was arrested at his home and transported to SP Latham for processing. He was then arraigned at the Albany City Court, where he was remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility in lieu of a $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond.

State Police arrest Schenectady man for felony drug possession

On January 27, 2025, State Police of the Troop G Community Stabilization Unit, with the assistance of K9 “J”, arrested Stephfon Algarin, 30, of Schenectady, NY, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the second degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree.

On January 27, 2025, at about 4:32 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle on East Street in Rensselaer, NY.  Algarin was a passenger in the vehicle and was found to be in possession of more than 100 grams of methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, and approximately $50,000 U.S. Currency.

Algarin was arrested and transported to SP Latham for processing. He was then arraigned at the Rensselaer City Court and remanded to the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility without bail.

State Police arrest Clifton Park childcare worker

On January 30, 2025, State Police of Clifton Park arrested Amy J. Henninger, 48, of Ballston Spa, NY, for Assault in the second degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

On January 22, 2025, at about 12:29 a.m. Troopers received information that a toddler received injuries while in the care of the SmartEarly Learning Center in Clifton Park, NY. The child had been left in the facility’s care on January 21, 2025, from approximately 9 a.m. until the parent picked the child up at about 2 p.m. Later in the evening, the parent observed injuries on the child, and they were brought to Albany Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. The investigation determined Henninger, who works at the childcare facility, allegedly struck the child, causing bruising and scratches. The injuries did not require hospital admission, and the child is expected to recover fully.

Henninger surrendered herself to SP Clifton Park, where she was arrested and processed. She was then arraigned at the Clifton Park Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

SmartEarly Learning Center cooperated with the investigation and advised that Henninger’s employment has been terminated.

State Police arrest Kingsbury man for possessing Child Pornography

On January 30, 2025, State Police of Greenwich, with the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security arrested Jakob H. Rich, 24, of Kingsbury, NY, for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “D” felony, and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “E” felony.

Rich is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation. His arrest followed an investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his residence in Kingsbury, NY, on January 30, 2025. The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Rich was arrested and processed at SP Granville. He was then arraigned at the Washington County Centralized Part Court, where he was released on his own recognizance.

State Police arrest Berlin man for possessing Child Pornography

On January 28, 2025, State Police of Schodack, with the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security arrested Isaac A. Boesse, 24, of Berlin, NY, for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “D” felony, and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “E” felony.

Boesse is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation. His arrest followed an investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his residence in Berlin, NY, on January 28, 2025. The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Boesse was arrested at his home and transported to SP Sand Lake for processing. He was then arraigned at the Berlin Town Court, where he was remanded to the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility in lieu of a $5,000 cash or $50,000 bond.

Search Warrant Executed in Chemung County Leads to Narcotics, Firearms, and Explosive Materials Seizure

On February 4, 2025, the New York State Police Troop E Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET) executed a search warrant at 61 Staples Road in the town of Erin, Chemung County. This warrant was executed following a three-month-long investigation.

Assisting units included the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT), Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT), Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), State Police Horseheads Uniform Force (UF) and Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Troop E Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU), and the Elmira Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit.

Seized Items

Narcotics and Currency:

• Approximately 4 ounces of methamphetamine oil
• Approximately 1 ounce of crystal methamphetamine
• Scales and packaging materials for narcotics
• $4,700 in U.S. currency

Firearms:

• 20 firearms, several with defaced serial numbers, including:
  • 1 AK-47 assault rifle
  • 1 AR-10 assault rifle (Ghost Gun)
  • 1 SKS assault rifle
  • 2 sawed-off shotguns
  • 8 bolt-action rifles
  • 1 lever-action rifle
  • 6 shotguns
• 11 high-capacity ammunition magazines
• Approximately 10,000 rounds of assorted ammunition

Explosive Materials:

• Approximately 20 pounds of binary explosive material (removed by BDU)
• Chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine (removed by CCSERT)

Arrests and Charges

Robert R. Budnick, age 42, of Erin, NY

• Charged with:
  • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd (A-II Felony)
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony)
• Arraigned in the Town of Horseheads Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $250,000 bail or $1,000,000 bond.

Buck L. Bates, age 40, of Elmira, NY

• Charged with:
  • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th (A Misdemeanor)
• Released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Erin Court on February 25, 2025.

This is an ongoing investigation.

Troopers assist with locating woman who was suffering from mental health crisis deceased

On February 4, 2025, New York State Police at Ithaca assisted the New York State Park Police with an investigation into a missing Cayuga Heights woman who was suffering from a  mental health crisis.  An investigation led Troopers to Taughnock Falls State Park where the woman was located deceased in a creek near the Taughnock Falls State Park trail.

The Trumansburg Fire Department assisted with removing the woman’s body.  No foul play is suspected.  The investigation is on-going.