Six people plead guilty to drug sting charges

CANTON — Six people charged in last month's "Operation Seaway" drug sweep entered guilty pleas Monday in St. Lawrence County Court.

Mitchell David, 18, Akwesasne, Quebec, pleaded guilty before Judge Jerome J. Richards to first-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a felony, for having more than 10 pounds of marijuana Dec. 7, 2008, in the town of Champion. He could get probation and youthful offender status when sentenced.

Robert Brigham, 25, Watertown, pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a felony, for having more than 1 pound of marijuana Feb. 22 in the town of Champion. He could be placed on one year of interim probation when sentenced. If successful, he avoids a jail sentence and receives four more years of probation.

Matthew Dicaprio, 26, Carthage, and Doug Monroe, 23, Massena, each pleaded guilty to attempted fourth-degree conspiracy, a misdemeanor. Both could receive three years' probation when sentenced Jan. 28. Both admitted to receiving coded telephone calls about moving marijuana.

Scott Thayer, 39, Watertown, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree conspiracy and could receive three years' probation when sentenced. He admitted to receiving a cryptic telephone call on Feb. 23 from Jason Ashley about a shipment of marijuana to be dropped off in 10 minutes. He could receive three years' probation when sentenced.

Clayton Everhart, 29, formerly of Norfolk and now living in California, was arraigned on various drug charges. He later pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony.

All six defendants will be sentenced Jan. 28. Judge Richards warned all six to avoid getting arrested, to test negative on drug tests and to comply with probation conditions for him to keep the sentencing commitments.

The massive sweep had led to charges against 18 people on conspiracy and drug charges. The hundreds of pounds of marijuana moved by the group allegedly came through the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation and was sold in Jefferson County and the Albany area.

The ringleader of the operation was Scott A. Jerome, 33, Waddington, said James J. Mindell, assistant deputy attorney general and senior investigative counsel to the statewide organized-crime task force. Authorities said James Ashley, 29, Great Bend, was also a major marijuana supplier in Jefferson County.

Lawyers for several other defendants were in court Monday to discuss their cases with Judge Richards and Mr. Mindell. Those cases were adjourned to future dates for possible pleas or further discussions.