Federal and local law enforcement say they took 25 pounds of methamphetamine and nearly seven pounds of fentanyl off Broome County streets, leading to three arrests.
Jermaine Cooper, 53, of Apalachin; Sherry Olk, 40, of Binghamton; and Shamell Tate, 36, of Endicott, were arraigned on Oct. 2 on federal charges of distributing methamphetamine. Federal law enforcement say more charges are possible.
Investigators also seized about $60,000 in cash and nearly one-and-a-half pounds of cocaine, along with fentanyl and oxycodone pills. Law enforcement officials say the three people arrested were part of a drug trafficking organization.
Prosecutors allege Cooper and Olk sold more than 100 grams of a methamphetamine mixture in July. They allege Tate sold more than 200 grams in September.
Each charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years. A judge will decide any sentence if the defendants are convicted. All three remain in custody while they await trial in U.S. District Court.
“These arrests and seizures are a direct result of the continued partnerships and incredible coordination we share at every level of law enforcement throughout Broome County,” said Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office.
Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar said the work makes the community safer.
“Getting dangerous drug dealers off our streets is what the law-abiding residents and families of our community expect and deserve from law enforcement,” he said.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York State Police, Broome County Sheriff’s Office and Vestal Police Department investigated the case.