by Doug La Rocque, Chris Tergliafera and a Rensselaer County Sheriffs Office Press Release
On October 22, for the second time in six months, the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 68 Mechanic Street in the Village of Hoosick Falls. The search warrant was the result of a two month investigation by the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office and the Bennington Police Department. The search warrant yielded drug paraphernalia, U.S. currency, ammunition, a loaded sawed off shotgun, a loaded .22 caliber revolver and assorted narcotics to include crack, heroin and pills. Four individuals were inside the home at the time the search warrant was executed.
Taya N. Morris was arrested for Narcotics Possession, and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. She was currently out pending two B felony charges and was remanded to the Rensselaer County Jail on $5,000 cash/bond.
Alvin Aiken was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. He was remanded to Rensselaer County Jail with no bail. Angel B. Suasteguii was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Firearm. He was remanded to Rensselaer County Jail on $1,000 cash/bond The fourth is a 16 year old male from Massachusetts. Due to age, his name and photo will not be released. He was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon. He was remanded to the Capital District Secure Juvenile Detention Center and later released to Rensselaer County Probation. All fours suspects were arraigned in Hoosick Falls Village Court by the Honorable Judge Harold McClellan.
It’s a Bad Law
The Hoosick Falls Police Department assisted during the execution on the search warrant. This is the second time in recent weeks people have been re-arrested on drug and weapons counts after having been previously arrested on similar charges, but freed under the state’s bail reform law. It’s a law that Hoosick Falls Police Chief Bob Ashe has railed against many times, stating it ties the hands of the courts when dealing with these perpetual offenders and threatens public safety.
Fair Warning
As to the two recent drug related arrests in the Village, Chief Ashe said he is not surprised by the activity or the Bennington connection. He has spoken about it at several Village Board meetings. He is quick to point out however, he doesn’t feel the drug problem in the Village is any worse or any better than in most communities. As to the Hoosick Falls arrests, he points out they are the result of “good police work and cooperation” between several law enforcement agencies. He also feels it sends a message to these drug dealers. Don’t come to Hoosick Falls “expecting to set up shop. Not now, not ever.” He also promises his department will continue to “aggressively investigate any illicit drug activity.”
