Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen announced today that Dennis Jones (DOB 7-3-53) of County Route 32, Town of Saratoga was sentenced before Saratoga County Court Judge James A. Murphy, III, pursuant to his plea from June 29 to the top charge Class “A-1” Felony of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 220.21(1). The plea included a sentence of 14 years in State Prison plus a period of post-release supervision of 5 years. The charges stemmed from a major drug bust by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department on March 4, 2018.
Defendant Jones was identified last year by law enforcement to be a major cocaine distributor in and around Saratoga County. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office investigation culminated in his arrest for possession of 1.4 kilos of cocaine (approximately 3 pounds) and 26 pounds of marihuana at his home on Route 32 in the Town of Saratoga. More than $250,000.00 in cash and illegal proceeds was seized from his property in conjunction with his arrest, which will be forfeited, as well as long guns and other drug paraphernalia.
DA Heggen stated that “Jones had a thriving drug trade, and this investigation put him out of business. This 14-year sentence should send a message to people who seek to traffic drugs in Saratoga County that you will face substantial incarceration for those crimes. Drug dealers who are profiteers like Dennis Jones threaten the stability and sobriety of those who suffer from the disease of addiction. That is why we sought this sentence.” Heggen also praised the work of Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo and his narcotics Sergeant Keith Clinton for their detailed and thorough investigation, as well as the New York State Police and DEA for their support and assistance.