AUSTERLITZ–An Austerlitz man was arrested for felony drug and weapons possession along with having a monkey as a pet without a permit.
State Police Troop K Violent Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (VGNET) arrested Gary M. Wood, 52, of Austerlitz for first degree criminal possession of a weapon, third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, all class B felonies; 10 counts of third degree criminal possession of an assault weapon and third degree criminal possession of a weapon, all class D felonies; criminal use of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor, and a violation of Environmental Conservation Law 11-0512 possession of wild animals as pets, February 23.
Troop K VGNET and NYSP Special Operations and Response Team executed a warrant issued by the Columbia County Court for a residence at 289 Rigor Hill Road, Austerlitz, February 23. State Police seized 59 illegally possessed firearms. Among the guns seized were 16 illegal assault rifles and 2 handguns. About 17.7 grams of cocaine and $3,250 in cash was also seized.
While in the residence, police also discovered that Mr. Wood illegally possessed a Capuchin monkey which was turned over to the Department of Environmental Conservation. It is illegal to possess wild animals in New York without a permit.
Mr. Wood was arraigned in Ghent Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail. He was scheduled to appear in Austerlitz Court at a later date.
This investigation remains ongoing and updates will be provided when they become available.
Ghent
State Police from the Livingston barracks arrested Cruz Aguilarsay, 26, of Hudson on three counts of third degree rape, three counts of third degree criminal sex act, both class E felonies, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor, February 26.
Following a crime tip to the State Police in Livingston an investigation revealed Mr. Aquilarsay allegedly raped a victim familiar to him under the age of consent.
He was arraigned in Claverack Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond with a later return court date.