Drug sweep leads to charges for 14

Fourteen suspects, including two SUNY Potsdam students, were rounded up Thursday during a series of early-morning drug raids led by St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force members.

The suspects were accused of selling various drugs, including cocaine, Oxycontin, oxycodone, marijuana and hashish, to undercover officers since January, Sheriff Kevin M. Wells said. The raids occurred countywide using several police agencies, with officers seizing about 9 pounds of marijuana, $5,000 cash, scales and a safe. The sweep started about 6 a.m.

"We're all out there working very hard to arrest those people that are selling drugs to our children," Mr. Wells said. "We're gonna continue to work hard."

The 14 suspects were arraigned in various courts throughout the county on felony drug charges. Several other suspects remain at large.

Those charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance are George A. Dennis, 42, of 172 Water St., Apt. B, Massena; Austin J. Cardona, 22, Yorktown Heights; Chad A. Pickering, 23, of 59 Market St., Potsdam; Melissa A. Laffin, 27, of 151/2 Washington St., Potsdam; Jehrod D. Hall, 29, of 81/2 Riverside Drive, Potsdam; David T. Geddes, 27, of 7407 Route 37, Ogdensburg; Eric R.M. Miller, 20, of 706 Bigelow St., Ogdensburg, and Michelle B. Homer, 47, of 901 Mechanic St., Ogdensburg.

Those charged with third-degree criminal sale of marijuana are Craig C. Chapman, 58, of 226 Route 420, Winthrop; Marty J. Billingham, 50, and Peter K. Recore, 40, both of 504-2 Hurley Road, Brasher Falls; Jason C. Coughlan, 29, of 1414 County Route 55, Brasher Falls, and Timothy B. Baile, 55, and Anne E. Diabo, 59, both of 391 LaRue Road, Massena.

Authorities said about $1,000 cash and 8 pounds of marijuana were seized from the LaRue Road home in Massena, while about $4,000 cash and 1 pound of marijuana were seized from Mr. Billingham's home. Mr. Billingham also was charged with second-degree criminal possession of marijuana.

The SUNY Potsdam students were Mr. Cardona and Mr. Pickering, SUNY Potsdam spokeswoman Alexandra M. Jacobs said.