Alexandria Bay Man Arrested on Sex Offense Charges

On March 25, 2025, State Police arrested Tyler R. Slate, age 24, from Alexandria Bay, NY, on the following charges:

• Possessing a sexual performance by a child (class “E” felony)
• Promoting a sexual performance by a child (class “D” felony)
• Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree—ammunition feeding device (class “D” felony)
• Criminal possession of a weapon 4th degree—possess ghost gun (class “A” misdemeanor)
• Two counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree (class “D” felony)

This arrest was the result of an investigation that started with information that was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which found that Slate was distributing child exploitation material over the internet.

Slate is currently awaiting arraignment at Jefferson County Centralized Arraignment Part Court.

This joint investigation involved the New York State Police Troop D Computer Crime Unit, New York State Police Watertown and Homeland Security Investigations.

State Police Arrested Roscoe Man for Drug Possession and Impaired Driving in Coxsackie

On March 22, 2025, at approximately 10:53 p.m., troopers from State Police Catskill observed a 2014 Nissan traveling eastbound on Mansion Street in the village of Coxsackie, NY, committing multiple violations of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.

A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver, identified as Brian K. Shear, age 45, of Roscoe, NY, was interviewed. During the interaction, troopers noted signs of impairment. A subsequent search of Shear and his vehicle led to the discovery of illegal substances.

Shear was arrested and transported to State Police Catskill for further evaluation, where he was determined to be impaired by drugs.

Shear has been charged with the following offenses:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree (Stimulant, Intent to Sell) – Class B Felony

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree (Stimulant) – Class B Felony

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree – Class D Felony

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree – Class A Misdemeanor

• Criminal Possession of Cannabis 2nd Degree (More Than 16 Ounces) – Class E Felony

• Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired by Drugs – Unclassified Misdemeanor

• Multiple Uniform Traffic Infractions

Shear was arraigned in the Town of Coxsackie Court and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

State Police Investigating In-Custody Death in Barneveld

The New York State Police are investigating an incident that occurred on March 24, 2025, resulting in the death of an individual in the town of Barneveld.

At about 11:30 p.m., State Troopers responded to a 911 call for an individual who was behaving erratically at a home on Sand Ridge Road. Upon arrival, Troopers attempted to engage with the individual, identified as Matthew A. Brown, age 30, of Barneveld. During the interaction, Brown suddenly lunged for a Trooper’s holstered firearm. Troopers were able to quickly restrain and handcuff him without further incident.

While awaiting the arrival of emergency medical personnel for an evaluation, Brown became unresponsive. Troopers, along with a Deputy from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and EMS personnel, immediately initiated lifesaving measures. Despite their efforts, Brown was pronounced deceased.

Pursuant to Executive Law Section 70-b, the New York State Attorney General’s Office has been notified of the death.

The investigation remains ongoing. No further details are currently available.

Keeseville female arrested for criminal mischief 3rd, assault 2nd, and CPW 4th

On March 24, 2025, State Police arrested Samantha S. Durgan, age 28, of Keeseville, NY, for criminal mischief in the third-degree, two counts of second-degree assault, and two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The incident occurred on March 23, 2025, at approximately 3:25 p.m., when Troopers responded to Stewarts regarding an altercation at a residence on Grove Street in the town of AuSable. An investigation revealed that Durgan became irate when people arrived at the residence. She exited the home with a baseball bat and approached a gray 2000 Chevrolet Blazer, striking the vehicle’s hood multiple times, and causing damage. While the individuals were sitting inside the car, Durgan, wielding the baseball bat, made threatening remarks and shattered the passenger side window of the vehicle.

Durgan then returned to the residence, retrieved a long gun—which was later determined to be a BB gun—and began shooting at the vehicle while the occupants were still inside. The victims managed to drive away from the scene, and no injuries were reported.

Durgan was arrested and processed at SP Plattsburgh. She was arraigned in the Town of AuSable Court and remanded to the Clinton County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond, or $15,000 partially secured bond.