CHATHAM—Barbara A. Laspada, 58, of Chatham was charged with one count of third degree grand larceny and one count of second degree forgery, both class D felonies, by State Police, March 21.
Additional charges are pending.
An investigation into suspicious activity in someone’s bank account revealed that an unauthorized person was stealing personal checks, forging them and cashing them. Ms. Laspada allegedly stole more than $14,000 from an unsuspecting victim.
She was arraigned in Chatham Village Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $15,000 cash bail or $25,000 bond. She was due back in court at a later date.
Claverack
Columbia County Judge Richard Koweek unsealed two grand jury indictments in Columbia County Court, Friday morning, March 21 and arraigned two men on drug sales charges.
Adam Kitsock was charged with two counts of third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. He allegedly sold heroin to an undercover agent twice in Livingston. Judge Koweek set bail at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. He was sent to the Columbia County jail. If convicted, Mr. Kitsock could be sentenced to nearly 20 years in jail.
Bradley Briggs was indicted on two counts of third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. He allegedly sold oxycodone and morphine to an informant in Hillsdale. Judge Koweek set his bail at $35,000 cash or $70,000 bond. If convicted he faces 24 years in jail.
The Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation. The task force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, New York State Police, Albany Police, Rotterdam Police, Schenectady Police, Saratoga District Attorney, Saratoga Springs Police, Troy Police and the Columbia, Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Warren and Washington county sheriff’s offices.
Hudson
Lucas R. Johnson, 27, of Kinderhook was charged with seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and loitering for the purpose of possessing a controlled substance, both misdemeanors, by Hudson Police Detective David Miller, March 10 at 10:23 a.m.
Lucas Johnson was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his brother, Michael Johnson, 33, of Kinderhook. Hudson Police pulled the vehicle over on Union Turnpike for a traffic infraction.
Lucas Johnson was found to allegedly possess 10 bags of heroin, with a total value of $100, according to Hudson Police Chief L. Edward Moore.
Michael Johnson identified himself to the detective as a Troy Police officer. There was also an unidentified woman in the vehicle. Neither Michael Johnson nor the woman committed a crime, said the chief.
Hudson Police called Troy Police to verify that Michael Johnson was indeed a Troy police officer. The chief said Troy Police subsequently initiated an internal investigation of Michael Johnson and suspended him from his duties as a police officer.
Lucas Johnson is due to appear in Hudson City Court April 22.
Drugs/alcohol
The following face drug- and/or alcohol-related charges:
*Tiffany D. Gilliam, 30, of Niverville was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, by State Police from New Lebanon, March 1 at 1 a.m.
Troopers pulled Ms. Gilliam over in Chatham after they saw her vehicle fail to maintain its lane of travel. She provided a breath sample with a .18% blood alcohol content, more than twice the legal limit of intoxication. She was issued tickets ordering her to appear in Chatham Town Court at a later date.
*Cory R. Bly, 24, of New Lebanon was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, by State Police from New Lebanon, March 3 at 10:48 p.m.
Troopers were called to investigate a harassment complaint on Hankey Mull Road, New Lebanon. The complainant told police that Mr. Bly fled the scene before they got there. He was located a short time later, driving a vehicle in an erratic manner. When troopers stopped the vehicle, Mr. Bly exhibited traits indicating he was impaired.
He provided a breath sample with a .20% blood alcohol content, more than twice the legal limit of intoxication. He is scheduled to appear in New Lebanon Court, March 13.
*Kristina S. Traudt, 24, of Red Hook was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, and fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class A misdemeanor, by State Police from Livingston, March 18 at 4:02 p.m. Troopers found Ms. Traudt inside her vehicle, which was parked partially in the roadway in Gallatin after a concerned citizen called Columbia County 911. Ms. Traudt provided a breath sample which yielded a .18% blood alcohol content, more than twice the legal limit. She also allegedly illegally possessed a stun gun. She was issued tickets ordering her to appear in Gallatin Court April 2.
*Edward Greenburg, 61, of East Chatham was charged with driving while intoxicated by State Police from New Lebanon, March 22.
Troopers stopped Mr. Greenburg for crossing hazardous markings as he traveled east on State Route 295 in East Chatham. While interviewing Mr. Greenburg, troopers found him to be intoxicated. He provided a breath sample with a .09% blood alcohol content and was issued tickets returnable in Chatham Town Court at a later date.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com.
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