Editor’s note: For photos of suspects, click Operation Crack Down- 8 of 9.
Nine facing drug charges in city of Oneida; eight in custody
Over the last several months, the Oneida City Police have been aggressively investigating the possession and distribution of crack cocaine within the city of Oneida in a secret operation coined ‘Operation Crack-Down’.
The Madison County District Attorney’s Office assisted with this investigation by preparing and presenting information and evidence before a Grand Jury, leading to the sealed indictments of nine individuals, and totaling 34 class B felony charges and a class A misdemeanor charge. Of the 9 individuals, 8 have been located and arrested.
These 8 defendants are as follows:
- Amanda Hopkins, 28, of N. Main St, Oneida:
- 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance third
- 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance third
- 1 count of endangering the welfare of a child
- Dajuan Jones, (aka- ‘Grills’), 20, of N. Main St, Oneida:
- 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance third
- 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance third
- Kristina M. Lawler, 34, of N. Main St, Oneida:
- 3 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance third
- 3 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance third
- Joshua Torres, (aka- ‘JJ’), 17, of Sherman St, Oneida:
- 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance third
- 1 count of criminal sale of a controlled substance third
- Harold Jordan, (aka- ‘Bummy’), 51, of N. Main St, Oneida:
- 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance third
- 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance third
- Ernest A. Newson, (aka- ‘TO’), 39, of Arnold Ave, Utica:
- 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance third
- 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance third
- Abdoul Yatassaye, 36, of Phelps St, Oneida:
- 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance third
- 2 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance third
- Michael J. Jennings, (aka- ‘J’), 25, of Washington Ave, Oneida:
- 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance third
- 1 count of criminal sale of a controlled substance third
There remains one suspect yet to be located and arrested. All suspects have been arraigned in Madison County Court and remanded to the Madison County Jail in lieu of bail/bond. They will reappear in Madison County Court at later dates to answer charges.
During the course of this investigation we received numerous tips from citizens, which helped tremendously with the investigation and eventual indictments and arrests. We would like to thank the citizens who stepped up and provided us with information, and know that although it took time, we listened and took your information seriously.
We would like to thank the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force with their assistance with apprehension, and the Madison County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with this successful investigation.