New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the dismantling of a significant cocaine trafficking operation in the Capital Region. The operation was responsible for distributing large amounts of powder and crack cocaine, as well as fentanyl and heroin. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) resulted in charges against 21 individuals for 222 crimes related to their involvement in this network, which sourced narcotics from New York City and distributed them across Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. Authorities recovered over 4.5 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately $450,000.
"Drug trafficking destabilizes communities and puts New Yorkers everywhere in danger," said Attorney General James. "These individuals operated a wide network of buyers and distributors who moved deadly narcotics across our state and sold them in vast quantities."
The multi-agency investigation involved state and local law enforcement agencies led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), including the New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and Saratoga Springs Police Department. It included covert surveillance and wiretaps on ten target phones to identify traffickers operating throughout the region.
The investigation focused on Heather Thompson's activities. She purchased cocaine by the kilo to distribute through her dealer network in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. One supplier was Jermaine Moreno from Brooklyn, charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker—a charge carrying a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
Thompson conducted business primarily in Saratoga County at locations like pubs and bowling alleys using codewords for drugs: "hard" or "done" for crack cocaine; "soft" or "undone" for powder cocaine; "dog food" for heroin.
Alexander Bayne was among Thompson's main clients, selling drugs from his homes in South Glens Falls and Hudson Falls. Others involved included Lonsdale Stuffle and Ronnie Luna who also sold drugs at public places like gas stations.
The operation included dealers purchasing from Alexander Bayne such as Melissa Stearns, Jackson Tucker, Lindsey Mattison, Ryan Megna; Stuffle supplied Cassidy O’Connell, Christine Sondermeyer; Luna supplied Zachary Bessette.
Attorney General James emphasized continued efforts against drug trafficking rings threatening safety: “Thanks to hard work...we took nearly half a million dollars’ worth of drugs off streets.”
"This case is a fantastic example of law enforcement agencies working together," said Saratoga County Undersheriff Jeff Brown.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James highlighted inter-agency coordination: “Due to hard work...we have disrupted major drug trafficking.”
Warren County Sheriff Jim LaFarr acknowledged cooperation required: “Investigations require strong partnerships.”
Indictments unsealed today contain 222 counts including Criminal Sale/Possession of Controlled Substance (class A-D felonies) & Conspiracy Second Degree (class B felony). If convicted on top charges—Moreno faces life imprisonment while Thompson could face up to 24 years.
The takedown aligns with SURGE initiative launched by Attorney General’s office since 2017 removing alleged traffickers from streets—965 so far according to officials involved alongside partners thanked during proceedings acknowledging contributions made towards successful prosecution efforts initiated under leadership figures cited within investigative/prosecutorial roles respectively named throughout process documentation released publicly detailing comprehensive overview regarding collaborative measures undertaken effectively addressing illicit narcotic distribution networks impacting regional/local community settings adversely affected thereby necessitating decisive action taken accordingly safeguarding public welfare interests prioritized above all else consistent ongoing commitment demonstrated repeatedly evident herein articulated succinctly reinforcing message conveyed unequivocally underscoring significance attributed thereto ultimately reflecting shared objectives achieved 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