Keion Kirkley, El Shaquille Douglas, and Daion Morris regularly sold illegal prescription medication (oxycodone and others) over Snapchat by posting pictures and/or videos of pill bottles marked Oxycodone with captions, such as Boots! A second, unrelated, raid last week resulted in the arrest of two others, Police sergeant leads top earners in Saratoga Springs for 2022, Proctors Theatre moving forward with microgrid, Biz Beat: Making a mothers dream come true with restaurant on Broadway in Schenectady, Plans for downtown park along Schenectady's Jay Street moving forward, Weekend snowstorm brings power outages to Capital Region. The Schenectady County Sheriff's Office announced its participation in this year's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which provides and opportunity for the public to safely dispose of expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs. Select a Language Below/Seleccione el Idioma Abajo. Barnett said the younger Civitello's 2020 tax return listed his business as "sales" and placed his total income at $66,273. A lock ( On Oct. 21, when officers with a federal Drug Enforcement Administration task force raided what they called a penthouse, they found a gun in the first-floor office of Focus Construction, a company owned by the senior Civitello, who as a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing firearms. Rachael Ray's daytime show ending its run, media reports say, Samantha Humphrey case being treated as homicide, Man who shot, skinned dogs told twice they were not coyotes, Union leaders say New York state workforce could see mass exodus, Tour of Utica-area restaurants feels like trip around the world, Author Marianne Williamson becomes 1st Democrat to formally challenge Biden in 2024. The suspects left the drugs in a rental car they had returned, police say. April 28th 2021, 6:28 AM PDT. Jeffrey Civitello, 50, and his son, Jeffrey Civitello Jr., 22, were charged in an unsealed indictment alleging that they conspired to move drugs with two men, including reputed Bonanno crime family associate Richard Sinde of Fort Lee, N.J., and Robert Ingraoof Lodi, N.J. SCHENECTADY A city police drug raid last week resulted in the arrest of nine people on drug charges, authorities said. . A locked padlock June 3, 2022 . "Junior" Gotti, the son of the late Gambino crime family boss and, for a period of time, NXIVM leader Keith Raniere, formerly of Halfmoon. . Attorney General Letitia James said they distributed heroin laced with fentanyl, powder and crack cocaine, and methamphetamine to Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Warren counties. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Barnett said investigators seized more than $856,000, including $407,545 found in Civitello's apartment, another $319,387 found in the home of a relative alleged to be a co-conspirator and an additional $128,860 in Coinbase cryptocurrency. That's the last year we have data, there are only 120 were recorded in the region between January and September of 2021. A cat cafis coming to Rotterdam. The Indictment alleges 39 overt acts that were committed in Schenectady in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy: 21 of the overt acts involve the distribution or possession of crack cocaine with. At least 78 people arrested in bust of two massive drug operations in Central New York Posted: Jul 7, 2021 / 04:07 PM EDT Updated: Jul 8, 2021 / 05:45 PM EDT However, the "Google Translate" option may assist you in reading it in other languages. I thank our law enforcement partners for their support in seeing this through." As a result of the takedown, 78 people were charged with 355 crimes, and $2 million in drugs, including cocaine and . Neither Civitello was in the car. Morris is being charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker, which carries a mandatory life sentence in state prison. Menu penelope loyalty quotes. The Berkshire District Attorney is warning about the presence of a dangerous sedative in the supply of local street drugs. Schenectady Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Hate Crime Ring (1-15-2016 P v Paradiso) Attorneys for Civitello, who is being held in the Albany County jail, are hoping to convince U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Stewart to reconsider an earlier order to detain him without bail. Hilts a 26-year-old from Albany has been charged with 10 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, in varying degrees. CALIFORNIA DRUG BUST NETS STUNNING HAUL . Todays takedown marks the latest major drug bust in the OAGs Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (S.U.R.G.E.) As alleged in the indictment, the central figures in this narcotics distribution network were Brianna Nichols and Michael Kuntzsch, who often worked together to obtain and sell methamphetamine and cocaine in Fulton County. Select a Language Below/Seleccione el Idioma Abajo. Anyone relying on information obtained from Google Translate does so at his or her own risk. After reading about the Czech Republic cocaine bust . Police also raided an address on Crane Street, a business, the day after the Orchard Street raid. They sent the judge 25 letters from Civitello's mother, sister, other family members, a former teacher, assistant principal and ex-tenants all attesting to Civitello's good character. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. The investigation was directed by Albany Police Department Detective Bill Norris, under the supervision of Detective Sergeant James Wood; and OCTF Detective Maria Romeo, with the assistance of the National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, under the supervision of Detective Supervisor John Monte and Deputy Chief John McManus. "So I think that that's one of the reasons why people, you know, chose this as an area that they would use for that. Schumer has been seeking federal help to counter a new wave of overdose deaths. In addition to law enforcement partners, Attorney General James would also like to thank Albany County District Attorney David Soares for his assistance in this investigation. During the course of the investigation, in addition to communication by cell phones, the defendants repeatedly relied on social media, specifically Facebook and Snapchat, to sell and procure drugs and brazenly brag and display illegal firearms. It depends, Albany Sheriff: Pair arrested for illegal gun possession, Crossgates Mall opening at noon due to weather, Snow begins falling in Capital Region during latest, DEC: Anglers hoard panfish in catch and release area, New area code coming to the Hudson Valley, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Christopher Millington, 37, of Gansevoort, Christopher Williams, 53, of Gloversville. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. "And we know now that the defendant did not choose that path.". The charges in the indictments are merely accusations. I'm a smart guy. Read More. The Division for Criminal Justice is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jos Maldonadoand overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. Investigators with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized nine kilograms of cocaine that was in a hidden compartment in the SUV. The prosecutor described Civitello and his 50-year-old father, Jeffrey Civitello Sr., who owns a construction company located in the same building where the raid took place, as sophisticated drug dealers with numerous criminal associates. Lock The 376-count indictment unsealed today in Fulton County Courtcharges the defendants with various counts of Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A, B, C, D felonies) and Conspiracy in the Second Degree (class B felony). You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! And even from once you get into the Capital Region, it's easy to get to other smaller towns and places like that.". This investigation is the direct result of the hard work done by members of the various agencies involved and shows just how effective law enforcement can be when working together. Categories: News, Schenectady, Schenectady County, More from Schenectady The Daily Gazette, More from Scotia and Glenville The Daily Gazette, Police sergeant leads top earners in Saratoga Springs for 2022, Proctors Theatre moving forward with microgrid, Biz Beat: Making a mothers dream come true with restaurant on Broadway in Schenectady, Plans for downtown park along Schenectady's Jay Street moving forward, Weekend snowstorm brings power outages to Capital Region. A seventh person was already in custody and will be arraigned at a later date. The defendant faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted of the charges. Syracuse, NY 13261-7198, Syracuse: 315-448-0672 Box 7198 The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They are accused of possessing heroin, MDMA and cocaine at the location and of selling crack cocaine in Schenectady last month, according to police allegations filed in court. The OAGs Investigations Bureau is led by Chief InvestigatorOliver Pu-Folkes. As alleged in the indictment, the central figures in this narcotics distribution network were Brianna Nichols and Michael Kuntzsch, who often worked together to obtain and sell meth and cocaine in Fulton County. So obviously, it's higher. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. The investigation also revealed that Nichols had various sources of supply for the methamphetamine and narcotics that she sold to customers who travelled to her from around the Capital Region. He said it took place at a time when both the father and son were receiving unemployment insurance benefits when each was "dubiously claiming" that they had lost their jobs at the father's construction company. Both the Investigations Bureau and OCTF are part of the Division for Criminal Justice. Members regularly posted videos and pictures of themselves possessing handguns, rifles, and machine guns, usually with high-capacity magazines protruding from the gun. The case is being prosecuted by OAG OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Andrew McElwee, under the supervision ofOCTF Upstate Deputy Bureau Chief Maria Moran. These arrests are further proof that our partnerships with New York Attorney General Letitia James and the FBI are helping enhance public safety, and that we will continue to work alongside one another to bring violent individuals to justice.. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. "Its no secret how badly and for how long the government sought the indictment of my clients father, attempting to cooperate anyone and everyone with even a passing knowledge of him including his own son in their efforts," said Lichtman, whose high-profile clients have included Sinaloa drug cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera, John A. Schenectady father, son eyed in Mafia-linked cocaine investigation, DEC finds 14-foot python in New York suburb, National Grid moving to restore power after heavy snows, Former brewmaster at Druthers brewpubs wants look at books, Kingston barber who flouted Cuomo wins back license. Today, we are putting an end to their efforts that put New Yorkers in harms way. As New Yorkers and Americans across the country witnessed the greatest number of drug overdose deaths in history in 2020, the defendants here were allegedly flooding our streets with the very types of drugs that caused this devastation.. Five Saratoga County residents picked up in state drug bust. We will continue to take every action possible to get guns off our streets, and I thank the Albany Police Department, and all our partners in law enforcement, for their support in protecting our communities., Dangerous drugs and weapons have no place in our communities, said Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins. Tisdale faces the same charges with two additional counts each of third-degree criminal possession and sale counts related to allegations he sold cocaine in July and on a second occasion in August, according to the police allegations. He admitted he conspired with others to sell marijuana, including from his residence, from at least May to October 2021, prosecutors said. Main Office: Anytime we remove large amounts of illegal drugs and firearms from our streets we save future lives and improve the publics safety, said, James and her offices Organized Crime Task Force agents, the FBIs Safe Streets Task Force members, and Albany Police Department officers for their work in bringing those who flood our local communities with illegal weapons and firearms to justice.. Attorneys Robert A. Sharpe, Michael Barnett, and Emily Powers. Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital. The Times Union previously reported that on Oct. 21, federal drug investigators raided the younger Civitello's penthouse apartment on Albany Street and seized 75 pounds of marijuana, loaded weapons and more than $407,000. The raid was one of two last week that resulted in multiple arrests, records show. The Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT) announced Tuesday that seven women and 21 men are facing various drug and weapon charges following a multi-month series of. SCHENECTADY -- A prostitution ring was busted by city police, with assistance from state troopers, Wednesday, resulting in charges for six women and two men. The prosecutor said theCoinbase figure was nearly all traced to a transfer of $101,440 from Civitello's father to him. As opioid deaths take their toll across Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer Counties, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's plan to beef up addiction services and fight the flow of drugs into the Capital Region has taken a key step. An official website of the United States government. All rights reserved. NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the indictment of 47 individuals for their roles in two major drug and firearm distribution networks that trafficked heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and firearms in the Capital Region. The six indictments, returned by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on August 24, 2021,were unsealed today (August 31, 2021). (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). These arrests were only made possible through the combined efforts of our members and our state and local law enforcement partners, and we appreciate this ongoing collaboration., This drug trafficking organization distributed everything from crack cocaine, to methamphetamine, to heroin, saidDEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan. Contact him at rgavin@timesunion.com. During the October raid, a gun was found in a safe in a first-floor office of the company, which is in the same building where Civitello Jr. lives. Dave Lucas is WAMCs Capital Region Bureau Chief. "This transfer reinforces the governments argument that the defendant is involved in drug trafficking activities with his father," Barnett said. SCHENECTADY - A city police drug raid last week resulted in the arrest of nine people on drug charges, authorities said. That means just about every other day. Understanding Recent Changes to New Yorks Gun Laws, 54 Individuals Indicted for Roles in Distributing Heroin, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine. ALBANY - The owner of a Schenectady construction business and his son were charged in U.S. District Court on Thursday with conspiring to traffic an estimated $600,000 of cocaine in a. Three people were arrested for alleged drug possession after a traffic stop on Thursday morning. The remaining indictments contain 196 counts and charge 14 people with crimes in relation to their involvement in the narcotics trafficking and weapons possession, including Enterprise Corruption (class B felony), Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class B felony), and Criminal Possession of a Weapon (class C, D, and E felonies). "Apparently they turned one last inmate and here we are," Lichtman said. Coleman was not permitted to possess the firearm due to a prior felony drug conviction, prosecutors said. Civitello is now on his third and fourth attorneys, Syracuse-based attorneys Robert G. Wells and Derek S. Andrews. Dave began his radio career as a morning personality at WABY in Albany. DARRELL ANDERSON, 29 years old, Schenectady, NYBENJAMIN BADGLEY, 29 years old, Clinton, NYANDERSON BENOIT, A/K/A MALI, 39 years old, Rutland, VTRONALD BERG, 39 years old, Schenectady, NYJAMAR BRAYBOY, A/K/A UN, 43 years old, Albany, NYJOHN CHAPMAN, 51 years old, Albany, NY JESSIE CORNER, 47 years old, Albany, NYNIEZIER ELLIS, A/K/A NEECHO, 26 years old, Albany, NY RONALD EVANS, A/K/A GOTTI, 44 years old, Albany, NY MANIEF FIELDS, 27 years old, Albany, NY DEREK GEORGE, 29 years old, Albany, NY ANTHONY GOLSON, A/K/A EYE, 41 years old, Albany, NYFREDERICK HEIDELMARK, 48 years old, Albany, NY THOMAS HEMMINGWAY, 41 years old, Albany, NY DANIEL INGERSOLL, 38 years old, Albany, NY MAZENE LACY, 41 years old, Albany, NY CHRISTINA LEWIS, 52 years old, Rensselaer, NYDONTRAY LUNDAY, 41 years old, Schenectady, NYERICA MASON, 38 years old, Warren, NYJORGE MENDEZ, A/K/A KUSHIE SUNOCO, 27 years old, Albany, NY JOSE MILLER, 52 years old, Albany, NY TYSHWAN MORRIS, A/K/A MAC, 29 years old, Schenectady, NYLUIS NAVARRO, A/K/A LV, 34 years old, Schenectady, NYJOEMAR NUNEZ, 24 years old, Albany, NY JOSUE NUNEZ, A/K/A SWAY, 40 years old, Albany, NY RONALD PERSER, 69 years old, Albany, NY RIZEL SIMS, 31 years old, Montgomery, NYEMMANUEL SMITH, 50 years old, Warren, NYANGEL SOTO, 33 years old, Albany, NY THERESA STANLEY, 38 years old, Albany, NY MARCUS VILLANO, 50 years old, Schenectady, NYKACY WEAVER, 47 years old, Albany, NY FREDERICK WILLIAMS, 32 years old, Albany, NY. The State of New York, its officers, employees, and/or agents shall not be liable for damages or losses of any kind arising out of, or in connection with, the use or performance of such information, including but not limited to, damages or losses caused by reliance upon the accuracy of any such information, or damages incurred from the viewing, distributing, or copying of such materials. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Two arrested on drug charges at Queensbury motel, Three arrested on drug possession charges after traffic stop, Glens Falls shooting leaves one in critical condition, Warren County Sheriff's Office seeks help identifying suspect in larceny at liquor store, Police: Glens Falls shooting stemmed from earlier argument, Alaskas Iditarod kicks off with ceremonial start. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. All rights reserved. By, In Albany, Sen. Schumer launches new effort to counter opioid epidemic, Berkshire DA: sedative that can increase overdose risk has been found in local opioids, A federal judge sides with 3 major drug distributors in a landmark opioid lawsuit. The Warren County Sheriffs Office is looking to identify the person police believe is involved in a theft that occurred at Jims Wine & Liquor. On March 31, 2021, investigators watched both Civitellos meeting in Schenectady with alleged conspirators, including the reputed mob associate, for the alleged purpose of borrowing the younger Civitello's blue 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. During the course of the investigation, investigators intercepted communications in which Sahib Braan, Miguel John, Christian Mitchell, and Jordan Thomas plotted and attempted a home invasion robbery of a rival narcotics trafficker in Gloversville. Following an interview with Hilts, he was found to have been in possession of 140 envelopes containing heroin . The case was investigated by the DEAs Capital District Enforcement Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett. Google Translate cannot translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. At the time, the Times Union reported that both Civitellos were under federal investigation for their alleged drug trafficking. Market data provided by Factset. Schenectady County District Attorney Bob Carney : "The amount of money that we were suggesting we should apply for which is $100,000 will allow us to at least bring on a crime analyst working at the Capital District Regional Crime Analysis Center, who will be dedicated to trafficking patterns and crime issues in Schenectady County," Carney said. Operation Oxfordshire began earlier this year, identifying a southeast Queensland syndicate that was trafficking cocaine from Sydney. In 2012, Dave received a Communicator Award of Distinction for his WAMC news story "Fail: The NYS Flood Panel," which explores whether the damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee could have been prevented or at least curbed. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The first indictment contains 521 counts and charges 33 people with crimes in relation to their involvement in the narcotics trafficking operation, including Operating as a Major Trafficker (class A-I felony), Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A, B, and C felonies), as well as Conspiracy in the Second degree (class B felony). I commend and thank Attorney GeneralLetitiaJames and her offices Organized Crime Task Force agents, the FBIs Safe Streets Task Force members, and Albany Police Department officers for their work in bringing those who flood our local communities with illegal weapons and firearms to justice., Our community, like many others, has struggled with an uptick in violence and too many innocent lives have been taken by gun violence in the Capital City, said State Assemblymember John T. McDonald III. And that means 300 deaths in the last two years. "This would have been a good time for the defendant to say, 'You know what? There was a problem saving your notification. Please subscribe to keep reading. They noted in a motion that Civitello has no criminal history and strong family ties in Schenectady, lessening his risk of flight. Civitello Sr. has prior federal convictions for cocaine trafficking and money laundering, the prosecutor stated. Market data provided by Factset. The indictment seeks a money judgment against both Civitellos of $600,000, the estimated street value of all the drugs. Robert Gavin covers state and federal courts, criminal justice issues and legal affairs for the Times Union. Five men are facing up to 25 years each in prison, after a major drug bust operation on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane ahead of schoolies. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. As New Yorkers and Americans across the country witnessed the greatest number of drug overdose deaths in history in 2020, the defendants here were allegedly flooding our streets with the very types of drugs that caused this devastation. It's a loss of our society because they're not in it anymore, and they could be producing and helping, but it's also a loss to their families and their friends and it leaves a hole in the world.". ALBANY - A Schenectady man pleaded guilty Monday to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing and conspiring to distribute marijuana, federal prosecutors said. Maybe I should try something other than drug dealing.' In addition to the listed partners, Attorney General James would like to thankGloversville Police Detective Brian Knecht, who worked under the supervision of Gloversville Police Chief Anthony Clay and Detective Lieutenant Richard Richardson, as well as Fulton County District Attorney Chad W. Brown for their assistance in this investigation. He was released under probation following his arraignment in a local town court. This case is a good example of how drug dealers have no jurisdictional boundaries and they actually try and use those boundaries to further criminal activity, saidJohnstown Police Chief David Gilbo. You have permission to edit this article. I am glad to see the results of the coordinated efforts by the New York attorney generals Organized Crime Task Force, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Albany Police Department to arrest these individuals who have caused significant trauma, not only to the families who have lost a loved one, but also to the many individuals and families who live in our neighborhoods and have concerns for their own safety. When theyarrived to investigate the discoverymade by its employees, they encountered Aasim Hilts and Shariff Frasier, police say. Brayboy also relied on Facebook to illegally sell his narcotics. NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL. Authorities in Germany and Belgium seized more than 23,000 kilograms (50,700 pounds) of cocaine, worth billions of dollars, in an international operation that resulted in one arrest, officials said. The 376-count indictmentcharges the defendants with various counts of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy in the second degree, which are all felonies. There, police arrested Lisa M. Medina, 37, of McClyman Street, Schenectady, and Shardar A. Tisdale, 29, of Robinwood Avenue, Rotterdam. You can cancel at any time. Posted 8 Jun 2021 8 Jun 2021 Tue 8 Jun 2021 at 6:25am , updated . The 54 are accused of roles in the drug trafficking ring, distributing heroin laced with fentanyl, powder and crack cocaine and methamphetamine, officials said. Understanding Recent Changes to New Yorks Gun Laws, 47 Individuals Arrested for Pumping Heroin, Cocaine, Oxycodone Into Communities, Illegal Possession of Firearms, Defendants Responsible for Recent Shootings, Violent Crime in Albany, NEW YORK New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the indictment of 47 individuals for their roles in two major drug and firearm distribution networks that trafficked heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and firearms in the Capital Region. Police Blotter: June 18, 2022. Rp 10s Rp 20s & Green 15s GWM, referring to prescription pills (boots) for sale, GWM (get with me), and what milligram strengths were available, 10mg pills, 20mg pills, etc. 15 arrested, accused in Capital District prostitution sting (CNYCentral File Photo) . schenectady drug bust 2021. Mar 22, 2021 Woman Arrested, 183 Grams Of Suspected Heroin/Fentanyl Seized In Glen Burnie Drug Bust A 28-year-old woman was arrested Saturday following a drug bust during which police. Partnerships such as this provide the justice and resolve that city residents have been calling for., Anytime we remove large amounts of illegal drugs and firearms from our streets we save future lives and improve the publics safety, saidState Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. 22-DEA-690017: A big drug bust i Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Seven Indicted on Schenectady Drug Charges Tuesday, April 2, 2019 For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York ALBANY, NEW YORK - Six men were arrested and appeared in court today on charges of distributing drugs in the city of Schenectady, New York. He also agreed to. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Booysen and his five co-accused face 96 drug-dealing charges, and the indictment against them showed they were accused of crimes relating to the Mandrax trade, covering February 2013 to November 2017. 100 South Clinton Street Legal Statement. Prior to that he hosted talk shows on WYJB and WROW, including the 1999 series of overnight radio broadcasts tracking the JonBenet Ramsey murder case with a cast of callers and characters from all over the world via the internet. Two people were arrested Monday on drug charges after police responded to a suspicious odor complaint. Federal and local law enforcement recovered more than a kilogram of cocaine, half a kilogram of methamphetamine, 14 firearms, and nearly $1.6 million dollars in cash during a drug bust at a two-bedroom home in southeast Dallas last week, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Prerak Shah. Jeffrey Lichtman, a Manhattan attorney representing the younger Civitello, told the Times Union that federal authorities tried unsuccessfully to turn his client against his father. . Frasier, ofSchenectady, is facing a charge of unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree.