Tipster Points Cops to Pill Swindler in Wegmans Lot

GENESEO – An anonymous tipster pointed the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office to a man who allegedly possessed several types of prescription meds without the proper prescriptions.

According to a press release from Sheriff Thomas Dougherty, the tip led to the arrest of Samuel Ventura, 27, for three counts of Criminal Possession of a controlled substance in the Seventh Degree, which is a misdemeanor.

“We thank the anonymous tipster for their online submission,” stated Sheriff Dougherty. “However, we do prefer tipsters to call us at 243-7100 for in progress tips. You can still remain anonymous.”

On Jan. 3, the Sheriff’s Office received the tip on their online tip system reporting that there was a vehicle in the Wegmans parking lot with two adults passed out in the front seats and an infant in the back seat.

Deputy Sheriffs immediately responded to the parking lot to investigate. Responding personnel found one adult female and the infant in the car sleeping. Deputies later found the other adult from the vehicle exiting the store.

The investigation revealed that the adults and the infant were sleeping in the car while waiting for prescriptions to be filled. However, further investigation alleges that the male, Ventura, was in possession of three different types of pills. Deputies recovered what are believed to be: 16 pills of Clonazepam pills, which is a tranquilizer; 10 pills of Diazepam, which is a tranquilizer; and seven pills of Tramadol, which is a pain killer. The pills are all controlled substances and Ventura did not have prescriptions to possess them.

Deputy Michael Wade made the arrest.

Ventura was turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing and pre-arraignment detention.

Geneseo Justice Kathleen Houston arraigned Ventura and ordered him held at the Livingston County Jail on $750 cash bail or $1,500 bond.

Anyone can leave anonymous tips on the Sheriff’s Office’s website under the TAKE ACTION/TIPLINE here or by phone anytime at 243-7100. Both methods allow tipsters to remain anonymous. For in progress tips, again we stress, please call 243-7100.