Weekly Safety Report: Drug Possession, Body Found, Animal Abandonment, and Robbery in Utica, New York

This week in Utica, New York, several incidents occurred that raised concerns for public safety. These incidents include the discovery of a large bag of contraband consistent with cocaine during a traffic stop, the arrest of two individuals for alleged possession of crack cocaine, the discovery of a body in downtown Utica, charges against store clerks for illegal underage tobacco sales, a woman being charged with animal abandonment, and a robbery plea likely for a teenager accused of multiple armed robberies along State Route 5 in Schuyler.

UPD : ` Large Bag of Contraband Consistent with Cocaine ' Discovered After Traffic Stop in Utica

WKTV12-19-2023

During a routine traffic stop, Utica police discovered a large bag of contraband consistent with cocaine. The driver, Lucas Payne, had his driving privileges suspended and was subsequently arrested.

Related reports:

• UPD : ` Large Bag of Contraband Consistent with Cocaine ' Discovered After Traffic Stop in Utica
• Vehicle Stop Leads to Drug Arrest in Utica
• Loaded Handgun Discovered after Traffic Stop in Utica
• Methamphetamine , fentanyl seized in Utica traffic stop

Utica pair charged after alleged possession of crack cocaine

Romesentinel.com12-20-2023

Following a traffic stop, Theresa Goldsmith and Justin Phillips, both residents of Utica, were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of drug paraphernalia. A significant quantity of crack cocaine was found in their possession.

Related reports:

• Utica pair charged after alleged possession of crack cocaine

Body Found in Downtown Utica ; UPD Awaiting Autopsy Results

WKTV12-18-2023

A body was discovered in a parking lot in downtown Utica. The identity of the deceased individual has not been disclosed, and the cause of death is yet to be determined pending autopsy results.

Related reports:

• Body Found in Downtown Utica ; UPD Awaiting Autopsy Results

Tobacco sting operation leads to charges against six store clerks

Romesentinel.com12-18-2023

After receiving complaints of illegal underage tobacco sales, Utica police conducted a sting operation. Six store clerks were charged with unlawfully dealing with a child and selling tobacco to underage individuals.

Related reports:

• Tobacco sting operation leads to charges against six store clerks

Utica Woman Charged with Animal Abandonment

WKTV12-20-2023

Alicia Ortiz-Youngs, a Utica woman, was arrested for animal abandonment after leaving a cat behind a local business in Old Forge. Surveillance footage showed her petting the cat before departing.

Related reports:

• Utica Woman Charged with Animal Abandonment

Rt. 5 Schuyler Robbery Plea Likely

WKTV12-19-2023

A Utica teenager accused of multiple armed robberies along State Route 5 in Schuyler appeared in court. It is expected that the teenager will plead guilty to the charges.

Related reports:

• Rt. 5 Schuyler Robbery Plea Likely

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