COLUMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARRESTS THREE FOR ILLEGAL DRUG ACTIVITY IN VALATIE
Kinderhook, NY- Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that three individuals have been arrested in connection with illegal drug activity in the Village of Valatie, Town of Kinderhook, New York.
These arrests are a result of a joint investigation in coordination with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement and Education Unit, Capital District CNET, Capital District Drug Task Force (DEA), and with theassistance of the Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka.
This investigation began after the Sheriff’s Office started receiving several tips from the public reporting possible illegal drug activity in the Village of Valatie. Undercover Investigators focused on an area and developed information and leads, which revealed that this illegal drug activity was the sales and distribution of heroin.
The following defendants were arrested for their connection to the distribution and sale of heroin:
Bonnie J. Kilmer, age 44, of Valatie was arrested at on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 and charged with one count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B Felony. Kilmer was arraigned in Livingston Town Court before the Honorable Judge Moore and was remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail. She is scheduled to appear back in court on March 10, 2016.
Dennis A. Mazal, age 34, of Valatie was also arrested on Wednesday and charged with one count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B Felony. Mazal was arraigned before the Honorable Judge Moore in Livingston Town Court and was remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail with a return date to Livingston Town Court on March 10.
Joseph J. Banfield, age 35, of Valatie was arrested on Thursday, February 18, 2016 and charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B Felony. Banfield was arraigned in Livingston Town Court before the Honorable Judge Moore and was remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail. He is also scheduled to appear back in court on March 10.
The investigation continues and additional arrests are possible.
“Heroin continues to be a huge problem and we’re determined to do everything possible to rid our communities of this plague,” said Sheriff Bartlett. “These latest arrests are another example of the community teaming with law enforcement to bring dealers to justice. We appreciate the tips and encourage residents to speak out when they see suspicious activity in their neighborhoods,” the Sheriff added.
Anyone with information on this case, or any other potential drug activity, is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 518-822-8477. All tips are confidential.
