Portage, NY – Three individuals were arrested following a drug investigation in Livingston County that allegedly uncovered crack cocaine sales and additional narcotics during coordinated law enforcement actions.
According to the Livingston County Drug Task Force, the arrests happened Thursday, March 19, when members of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office allegedly executed a search warrant at a residence in the Town of Portage. Authorities said John Moore, 41, and Anthony Martin, 27, both of Rochester, along with Carrie Drechsel, 42, of Mount Morris, were taken into custody as part of the operation.
Investigators allege Moore faces multiple felony charges, including second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and several third-degree possession counts, along with conspiracy and evidence tampering. He is also accused of misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charges. Martin was allegedly charged with felony drug possession and conspiracy counts, while Drechsel allegedly faces charges tied to drug possession and tampering with physical evidence.
Officials said the arrests stem from an ongoing investigation into alleged crack cocaine distribution in Portage. During a related search in the Village of Nunda, authorities reportedly located more than four pounds of methamphetamine, further expanding the scope of the case.
Moore was remanded to the custody of the Livingston County Sheriff without bail due to prior felony convictions, officials said. Martin and Drechsel were released on their own recognizance, as their charges allegedly did not meet bail eligibility under New York law.
All three defendants were arraigned in Livingston County court, where the Public Defender’s Office represented them. The District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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