South pleads to possession of “meth” and firearm and expected to receive 4 years in prison.
Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy, III announced today that Marlinea G. South (8-23-79) 16 Plank Road, Lot 2, North Creek Mobile Village, Greenfield, NY 12833 (mug shot attached) pleaded guilty to the crime of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a class “A-II” Felony, in violation of Penal Law sections 110 and 220.18 (2), and the crime of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a class “D” felony, in violation of Penal Law Section 265.02(1). This plea stems from an incident that occurred on October 6, 2013 in the Town of Greenfield wherein she and Megan Howell (5/3/85) were found in possession of methamphetamine as well as materials that are typically used to manufacture “meth”. South, who did not possess a New York State Pistol Permit and who was previously convicted of a crime, was also found to be in possession of a Hi point 9 mm luger pistol.
The materials and “meth” were discovered in the mobile home she was living in at the time, based on a tip provided to New York State Police Wilton, CNET (Community Narcotics Enforcement Team) and CCERT (Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team) officers. Law enforcement members responded with a search warrant, entered the mobile home and immediately discovered the controlled substances and the manufacturing material. They took the occupants into custody and gathered evidence from the crime scene. In addition, CCERT secured the scene as the “cooking” of meth is dangerous as the substances are highly volatile. They removed all volatile and toxic materials from the scene. One occupant was less than one year old and another was fifteen years old. CPS was notified and took appropriate action regarding the children. The Hi point 9 mm luger pistol and 32 rounds of ammunition were found in South’s bedroom.
Sentencing for Ms. South has been scheduled for March 31, 2014 at 9:30am when it is expected that she will receive a sentence of 4 years in a state prison with 5 years of post-release supervision for the Methamphetamine possession and 1 to 3 years imprisonment for the weapon possession. The two sentences will run concurrently with each other.
Megan A. Howell entered a plea of guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class “B” felony, on January 17, 2014, and, is expected to receive a term of 4 years imprisonment and 1 to 2 years of post-release supervision when she is sentenced on March 14, 2014.
DA Murphy said “It’s not unusual to find drugs and guns in the same location, as police did here. As if the manufacture of “meth” isn’t dangerous enough, the easy access to a gun in that mobile home, combined with children and meth, makes it even more disturbing.”
Hon. James A. Murphy, III
Saratoga County District Attorney
Director and Past Chair
NYS District Attorney’s Association
25 West High Street
Municipal Center
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
518-885-2263 wk
518-884-8627 fax
DA website: www.jimmurphyda.com
Follow me on Twitter: @JimMurphyIII