The Fort Plain Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office announce the conclusion of a six-month investigation into drug sales in the village and surrounding communities, which culminated in the arrests of seven individuals.  

This is the fifth joint operation of this nature since 2006, that have resulted in multiple arrests for the sale of drugs including marijuana, cocaine and heroin.

The vast majority of the suspects were charged with felony level offenses.

Investigations of this type require manpower and extra equipment, usually above what smaller agencies have at their disposal. “We are fortunate to be able to partner with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, coordinating an effort to remove drug sales from our village streets,” said Fort Plain Police Chief Robert Thomas III.

During these operations, investigators from both agencies establish leads in drug sales and then develop a plan and move forward in establishing evidence to make arrests. Usually, the manpower requirements for the sale and arrests months later are larger than most small agencies these days can handle without help.

“We are fortunate that we can call the Sheriff to get support and that Undersheriff Smith lives right in the village and is always our disposal. Their deputies have been great to work with. I’m also fortunate that the DA Conboy makes himself available to answer questions and give guidance when something out of the ordinary pops up,” said Thomas.  

Sheriff Michael Amato said “By working together on cases such as this, it provides the needed resources to have the success we have had along with providing the best service possible with the taxpayers in mind.”   

The seven individuals arrested recently as a result of this collaboration were:

• Michael Ricci, 22, 25 Highland Place, Canajoharie, charged with third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

• Amy Bevers, 33, 32 Sullivan St., Dolgeville, charged with third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and fifth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell

• Joshua Bennet, 25, of 25 River St., Fort Plain, charged with third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance

• Harold Snyder, 37, of 182 Canal St., Fort Plain, charged with third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance

• David McGrath, 21, of 51 Reid St., Canajoharie, charged with possession of a controlled substance outside a container

• Ronald W. Hogan, 23, of 70 Main St., Fort Plain, charged with third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance

• Richard A. Burke, 52, 6310 State Highway 10, Canajoharie, charged with third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.