Deputies seize suspected drugs, packaging materials, and paraphernalia during late-night stop
(WNY News Now) – OLEAN, N.Y. — A routine traffic stop in Olean led to the arrest of two men and the discovery of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia, according to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office.
On June 15, 2025, at approximately 11:40 p.m., sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on North 2nd Street in the City of Olean for vehicle and traffic violations. The vehicle was operated by 43-year-old Brian J. Learn of Bolivar, NY, with 45-year-old Joseph P. Dempsey of Olean as a passenger.
Deputies determined that Dempsey had active warrants from the City of Salamanca and the Town of Cheektowaga Police Departments. He was taken into custody at the scene.
During the investigation, Learn consented to a search of the vehicle. Deputies reportedly discovered a quantity of suspected fentanyl, suspected methamphetamine, packaging materials, a scale, and other drug-related paraphernalia.
Both individuals were transported to the Sheriff’s Office Olean Substation for processing and later arraigned in Olean City Court.
Dempsey was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree (felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree
- Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Degree – Packaging
- Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Degree – Scale
Learn was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree (felony)
- Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Degree – Packaging
- Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Degree – Scale
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd Degree
- Failure to Signal a Turn
Dempsey was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail with bail set at $25,000, $50,000, and $50,000 on the respective charges. Learn was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to return to Olean City Court at a later date. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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