GENESEO – Another routine traffic stop led to the arrests of two men for felony drug possession by Sheriff Deputy Shawn Whitford Saturday night. This marks the latest in a series of hard drug arrests this year by Deputy Whitford.
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According to a press release from Livingston County Sheriff Thomas Dougherty, the two men were from out of town and were apparently moving through Geneseo when they were pulled over on Interstate 390.
At approximately 8:06 p.m. on Saturday, Deputy Whitford conducted a vehicle stop. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Robert Axtell, 35, of Corning, NY, and his passenger was identified as Ernest Crooks, 35, of Savona, NY.
A sharp investigation found that each of the males were in possession of cocaine and heroin. Crooks was also charged with one count of littering on a public highway as he allegedly attempted to get rid of the substances on the side of the highway.
Both Crooks and Axtell were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B Felony.
Sheriff Dougherty added that cutting agents were also located with the drugs that were to be used later to sell the substances.
Axtell and Crooks were taken before Judge Kathleen Houston in Geneseo Town Court. Judge Houston remanded both Crooks and Axtell to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 secured bond. Assistant District Attorney Josh Tonra was advised of the arrest, and recommended this bail amount. Both Crooks and Axtell 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.
PHOTO CAPTION: Top – Robert Axtell. Bottom – Ernest Crooks. Photos courtesy of LCSO.