21 arrested in major Capital Region drug trafficking bust

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The New York Attorney General's Office reported the arrest of 21 people following a substantial drug trafficking investigation in the Capital Region. Nearly 10 pounds of cocaine valued at around $450,000 were recovered during the investigation, in addition to quantities of fentanyl and heroin.

The year-long operation led to the takedown of an illegal narcotics network that spanned Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. The investigation focused on the distribution activities of Heather Thompson, of Troy, and her extensive string of sources and clients.

"Drug trafficking destabilizes communities and puts New Yorkers everywhere in danger. These individuals operated a wide network of buyers and distributors who moved deadly narcotics across our state and sold them in vast quantities," said Attorney General Letitia James. "Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of our partners in this investigation, we took nearly half a million dollars worth of drugs off the streets and are putting this operation out of business. I will continue to take down drug trafficking rings that threaten New Yorkers’ safety."

"Today’s announcement speaks volumes to the inter-agency coordination and cooperation dedicated to getting illegal drugs off New York streets," said New York State Police Superintendent Steven James. "Due to the hard work between state and local law enforcement, we have disrupted a major drug trafficking operation and have intercepted illegal substances from continuing to infiltrate our communities. I thank the Attorney General's Office and our law enforcement partners at all levels for their relentless efforts to keep illegal drugs off our streets."

The defendants, detailed below, were charged with a total of 222 crimes, including various degrees of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance, as well as second-degree conspiracy.

Defendants

• Alexander Bayne, 35, of South Glens Falls/Hudson Falls
• Conrad Bayne, 59, of South Glens Falls
• Zachary Bessette, 33, of North Creek
• Kevin Cooper, 38, of Glens Falls
• Trevor Harris, 35, of South Glens Falls
• Ronnie Luna, 42, of Glens Falls
• Lindsey Mattison, 34, of West Rupert, Vermont
• Ryan Megna, 42, of Glens Falls
• Jermaine Moreno, 48, of Brooklyn
• Jack Moulton, 35, of South Glens Falls
• Cassidy O’Connell, 30, of Glens Falls
• Wesley Reed Jr., 59, of Troy
• Wesley Reed III, 38, of Troy
• Christine Sondermeyer, 53, of Glens Falls
• Melissa Stearns, 38, of Hudson Falls
• Lonsdale Stuffle, 30, of Glens Falls
• Mackenzie Sumner, 37, of Glens Falls
• Heather Thompson, 38, of Troy
• Jackson Tucker, 43, of Troy
• Christopher Wern, 41, of Glens Falls
• Walter Winchell, 49, of Glens Falls

"This case is a fantastic example of law enforcement agencies working together to root out criminals in our communities," said Saratoga County Undersheriff Jeff Brown. "I’m proud of the work of our Narcotics Unit and the Criminal Investigation Unit members and the other law enforcement professionals to bring these individuals to justice. Working with Attorney General James and our local, state, and federal partners, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office will continue to invest in combatting illegal narcotics trafficking in Saratoga County."

The arrests are a result of collaboration between numerous agencies, including the Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force, state police, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Warren County Sheriff's Office, the Saratoga Springs Police Department, and the Saratoga County District Attorney's Office. The investigation and court proceedings remain ongoing.