November 24, 2014
GENESEO: Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty advises of the arrest of Ernest J. Crooks and Robert S. Axtell on charges relating to felony drug possession.
On November 22, 2014 at approximately 8:06 PM, Deputy Shawn Whitford of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office conducted a vehicle stop on Interstate 390 in the Town of Geneseo. The operator of the vehicle was identified as 35 year old Robert S. Axtell of Corning, NY, the passenger of the vehicle stopped was identified as 35 year old Ernest L. Crooks of Savona, NY.
During the course of the investigation it was discovered that each of the males were in allegedly in possession of cocaine and heroin. Both of the males were placed under arrest and taken to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office for processing.
Both Crooks and Axtell were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B Felony under the NYS Penal Law, and officials say that cutting agents were also located with the drugs that were to be used later to sell the substances. Crooks was also charged with one count of littering on a public highway as he attempted to discard the substances on the side of the highway.
Axtell and Crooks were then taken before Judge Kathleen Houston in Geneseo Town Court. Judge Houston did remand both Crooks and Axtell to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $7,500.00 cash bail or $15,000.00 secured bond. Assistant District Attorney Joshua Tonra was advised of the arrest and did recommend the aforementioned bail amount. Both individuals are schedule to appear in Geneseo Town Court at a later date.
The investigation and arrest was handled by Deputy Shawn Whitford of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. Assisting was Deputy Connor Sanford and Deputy Martin Herkimer.
