Saratoga County, NY — Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby today announced the creation of a new Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau, a specialized unit dedicated to aggressively combating narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms, sex trafficking, and human trafficking throughout Saratoga County. The Bureau will be led by Chief Meghan A. Horton, an experienced prosecutor with a proven record of success in complex investigations and high-stakes felony trials. The Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau will focus on dismantling criminal enterprises that profit from the sale of controlled substances, the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms, and the exploitation of victims through sex and human trafficking. The Bureau will work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to conduct long-term investigations, utilize advanced investigative techniques, and ensure the most dangerous offenders are held fully accountable. “This Bureau reflects our commitment to taking an aggressive, intelligence-driven approach to some of the most serious crimes facing our communities,” said District Attorney Eby. “Drug trafficking, illegal guns, and human trafficking threaten public safety and devastate families. This Bureau is designed to confront those threats head-on.”
Chief Horton brings extensive experience in narcotics, firearms, violent felony, and sexually motivated offense prosecutions. She serves on the Tri-County Narcotics Task Force. Chief Horton has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict. Horton also has extensive experience drafting search warrants, devising operation strategy, obtaining trace orders and leading investigations. She is also cross designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. “Chief Horton’s exceptional courtroom abilities, sharp investigative skills, relentless work ethic, and aggressive prosecutorial style will lead this Bureau to success,” said District Attorney Eby. “She is one of the most talented prosecutors in Upstate New York, and I have complete confidence in her leadership.” Chief Horton’s courtroom successes include:
- People v. Shahid Smith — Secured guilty verdicts on multiple counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, resulting in a 31½-year state prison sentence.
- People v. Ryan Jewett — Obtained a conviction for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child and a 29-year sentence of incarceration.
- People v. Michael Zakrzewski — Achieved guilty verdicts for Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Strangulation in the Second Degree, and Criminal Contempt, resulting in a 34-year state prison sentence.
- People v. Sean Cherven — Won a jury trial resulting in a conviction for Rape in the First Degree and a sentence of 18 years in state prison.
“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Narcotics and Special Investigations Bureau,” said Chief Horton. “I am ready to take on this responsibility and to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to protect the public, pursue justice for victims, and hold dangerous offenders accountable.”