On a recent Thursday, Trini E. Ross, U.S. Attorney, reported the arrest and indictment of a quartet of individuals from Niagara Falls, New York, suspected of being involved in a local narcotics distribution network. The indicted are Paul Fields, age 39, Edward Rollie, age 49, Rashawn Salmon, age 39, and Jermaine McQueen, age 46. Both Fields and Rollie have been charged with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine as well as gun ownership intended to aid in their narcotics operations.
The offenses they face come with an obligatory baseline sentence of half a decade in prison; however, the punishment could be as severe as life incarceration. The potential financial penalty could reach as high as $5 million. On the other hand, Salmon and McQueen are both on trial for intending to distribute not less than 400 grams of fentanyl. In addition, McQueen is facing a gun possession related charge connected to his alleged drug dealings.
The charges against Salmon and McQueen carry a mandatory minimum sentence of a decade locked behind bars, with the possibility of life incarceration. On top of that, they could be levied with an exorbitant fine of up to $10 million. The apprehension of these accused individuals followed a spate of search warrants being enforced on the 28th of August, 2024, across numerous residential locations associated with them.
During these searches, law enforcement authorities brought to light 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl, over a kilogram of cocaine, a trio of firearms, and around $25,000 in U.S. currency. These investigations and swift actions are the fruit of a campaign by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). This initiative blends multiple agencies and is devoted to identifying, disrupting, and crushing high-ranking criminal organizations that pose substantial risks to the United States.
Additional details about the OCDETF venture can be sought at the official website of the U.S. Department of Justice. Multiple law enforcement agencies have been pivotal in the conduct of these investigations, which include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Niagara Falls Police Department, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, the North Tonawanda Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department.
Turning to a separate unfortunate incident in New Castle, the Delaware State Police have launched an investigation into a fatality involving a pedestrian. The tragedy transpired on the evening of Saturday, August 31, 2024, near the crossing of Hazeldell Avenue and North Dupont Highway. According to official reports, a black Volkswagen Passat headed southbound in the right lane on North Dupont Highway was involved in the mishap.
The casualty, a 61-year-old male local, was reported to have started crossing the highway from the right and moving eastwards, entering the direct path of the incoming Passat. Regrettably, the driver’s attempts to evade the pedestrian were unsuccessful, subsequently leading to the tragic collision. The victim was pronounced deceased on site.
Pending family notification, the name of the deceased is being protected by the authorities. The Passat’s driver, a 60-year-old woman hailing from Bear, Delaware, sustained minor injuries in the unfortunate incident and was moved to a nearby hospital for treatment. Post-incident, the accident scene led to a temporary road closure lasting approximately five hours for the diligent completion of the police’s investigation and clean up of the accident scene.
In unrelated court proceedings, a woman from Binghamton, named Jade A. Pittsley, aged 34, conceded her guilt on charges related to escaping federal custody and possessing methamphetamine with an intended purpose of distribution. Pittsley recounted that in November 2023, while enduring a federal sentence pertaining to a past methamphetamine-linked crime, she made an illicit exit from a supervised halfway house.
Following this illegal act, she was quickly located and detained again by law enforcement professionals who found methamphetamine and associated illegal accouterments in her possession. The hearing for passing her sentence has been scheduled for December 30, 2024, by presiding United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. The charges brought against Pittsley carry a mandatory minimum sentence of a half-decade in prison, with life incarceration being the maximum possible verdict.
Furthermore, the fine imposed could reach a maximum of $250,000. Following completion of her sentence, a minimum of 4 years of monitored released is prescribed. The final verdict relies on the presiding judge’s decision and will consider applicable laws, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other pertinent considerations.
In another court case, Madison Carrig, a 30-year-old woman from Whitehall, New York, admitted guilt for two counts of device fraud in the U.S. District Court situated in Burlington, Vermont. These charges surface in connection with a scheme where Carrig, while holding the position of office manager or controller at three car dealerships, manipulated cash receipts and misused company-owned credit cards for personal gain.
The fraudulent activities occurred between September 2022 and November 2023, with formal charges being pressed on the 12th of July, 2024. Upon declaring her guilt during the court proceedings, Chief Judge Christina Reiss permitted Carrig’s conditional release until her sentencing hearing, which has been set for January 3, 2025.
Carrig’s charges could culminate in a maximum imprisonment tenure of a decade in federal prison and a potential fine reaching up to $250,000. The final result will be determined by the court, guided by the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and several statutory considerations. The thorough investigation leading to these charges was the result of diligent work by the Vermont State Police.