Ten arrested in Montgomery County raid

Article Photos

FORT PLAIN - Confidential informants who assisted an investigation by several area police departments helped nab 10 people suspected of being "heavily involved" in supplying marijuana to Montgomery County residents.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Fort Plain Police Department, seized guns and 5 pounds of marijuana after it made 10 drug-related arrests Monday.

Police also took drug paraphernalia and an unspecified amount of cash from the scene.

Police and sheriff's deputies executed the search warrants and arrest warrants after a three-month investigation, according to a news release. Montgomery County Undersheriff Jeffery T. Smith said this morning it is "still possible" there could be more arrests.

The suspects "were heavily involved in supplying pounds of [marijuana] on the streets of Montgomery County," according to the release.

Sheriff's deputies arrested seven people Monday morning. They were:

Chad J. Prevost, 24, of 5 Main St., Fort Plain, was charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal sale of marijuana.

Korie W. Calhoun, 22, of 6717 Route 5S, Apt. 1, Fort Plain, was charged with third-degree criminal sale of marijuana.

Brittany L. Failing, 22, of 80 Edge of Town Trailer Park, Lot 6, Nelliston, was charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal sale of marijuana.

Dale M. Smith Jr., 47, of 80 Edge of Town Trailer Park, Lot 6, Nelliston, was charged with second-degree criminal sale of marijuana.

Michael J. Mehaffy, 35, of 6717 Route 5S, Apt. 2, Fort Plain, was charged with third-degree criminal sale of marijuana.

Todd M. Simzer, 25, of 11 Old Meadow Road, Apt. 54, St. Johnsville, was charged with third-degree criminal sale of marijuana.

Erik J. Thackrah, 25, of 161 Keeslers Corners Road, Fort Plain, was charged with second-degree criminal sale of marijuana.

The Fort Plain Police Department arrested three more people later Monday.

Alfred G. Lamont Jr., 32, and Chrissy Duesler, 31, both of 23 River St., Fort Plain, were charged with third-degree criminal possession of marijuana.

Police said they found 3 pounds of marijuana drying at the residence and found objects at the home intended to help the drying process.

Fort Plain police said they also seized two rifles, two shotguns and a muzzleloader from the residence.

In addition, Michel M. Spagnola, 55, of Bolster Hill Road, St. Johnsville, was arrested by state police and charged with third-degree criminal possession of marijuana.

The suspects were arraigned and sent to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in lieu of cash bail.

Zach Subar can be reached at ruralnews@leaderherald.com.