(WNY News Now) – Perrysburg – On July 24, 2024, at approximately 10:00 PM, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 11094 Indian Hill Rd. in the Town of Perrysburg, N.Y. This operation, spearheaded by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Taskforce, culminated in the arrest of Michael Knowles, 46, and Jessica Silverheels, 44.

Both individuals face serious charges, including one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (a Class B felony) and one count of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree (a Class A misdemeanor). Following their arraignment in the Town of Persia court, Knowles and Silverheels were released, but further charges are anticipated as the investigation progresses. As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The search revealed not only controlled substances and drug paraphernalia but also several firearms, heightening the severity of the charges and potential penalties.

The Southern Tier Regional Drug Taskforce, which includes members of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, Salamanca Police Department, and Olean Police Department, led the investigation. They received substantial support from the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Criminal Bureau Division, and Special Response Team during the execution of the search warrant.