SHERMAN – New York State Police, in collaboration with several law enforcement agencies, arrested more than 30 people for various charges during the Blue Heron Music Festival.
Troopers said between July 4 and 8, cocaine, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, concentrated cannabis, LSD, MDMA, mushrooms, edibles, heroin and synthetic methylenedicoxy methamphetamine was seized.
“Every year during this detail, we are assisted by the Jamestown Police Department, New York State Forest Rangers and Chautauqua County Probation. Their assistance and expertise with this operation greatly contributes to its success,” said New York State Police Captain Eric Balon.
“The collaboration of all the involved agencies has made this year’s detail a success,” said Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone. “We look forward to a continued collaboration of all the agencies to best serve the safety and security of our community.”
“This operation is one we participate in because the safety of the concert goers is our priority,” said Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson. “The multi-jurisdictional law enforcement agencies participating are great. Ultimately we just want a safe concert weekend.”
Philabelle McCarthy-Shields and Alexis Matuszewski, all of Buffalo, were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance (hallucinogen), a class B felony, 11 counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor, fifth-degree criminal possession of marihuana, a Class B misdemeanor and endangering the welfare of a child less than 17.
Troopers said more charges are pending against the three.
Joshua Paterson and Danielle Johnston, of South Dayton, were each arrested for fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (hallucinogen), a Class C felony and second-degree criminal possession of marihuana, a Class D felony.
Derek Gramling and Steven Bicks were charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of controlled substance (LSD), a class C felony, and several additional drug charges.
Brian Christina, Lamont Brown, Andrew Sobilo and Loren Dumen were charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, a Class B Felony, and additional drug charges.
Troopers said the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, State Police Violent Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET) members, Sheriff’s Department Drug Investigators, Jamestown Police Department, NYS Forest Rangers and Chautauqua County Probation assisted in the enforcement detail.
Correction: According to Jamestown-based New York State Police, Manuel Shields was not charged in the incident, although, his name was initially listed by law enforcement. WNYNewsNow regrets the error.
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