Two Livingston Residents Arrested on Felony Charges

Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrest of two Livingston County residents on felony and misdemeanor drug charges following a traffic stop.  

On January 31st, 2023, Deputy Jerry Pilkenton was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Operation Safe Interstate when he conducted a traffic stop on East Avon-Lima Road near Interstate 390 in the Town of Avon for violations of the NYS  Vehicle and Traffic law.  

During the roadside, investigation contact was made with the operator, who was identified as 43-year-old Michael L.  Moran of Dansville. Reference was also made with Michael’s passenger, 34-year-old Alyssa M. Sick of Dalton. 

During the encounter, Deputy Pilkenton suspected the two were involved in drug activity and continued his roadside investigation. 

The investigation revealed a quantity of crack cocaine inside the vehicle and additional cocaine and fentanyl that was found to be in physical possession by Sick. Deputies later tested the substances, which showed positive for cocaine and fentanyl.  

Sick was arrested and charged with felony Criminal Possession of a Narcotic Drug in the Third Degree, felony Criminal  Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the  Seventh Degree.  

Moran was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree. 

Moran was later turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing. Moran was subsequently processed and released on an appearance ticket, as his charges did not qualify for bail under the NYS Bail  Reform.  

Sick was also turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing. The District Attorney’s  Office was contacted in regard to bail due to the felony-level charges, and it was recommended that Sick be released on 

her recognizance after arraignment, as the orders do not qualify for bail under the NYS Bail Reform.  

Sick was later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) at the Livingston County Jail before Judge Temperato. The Judge released Sick on her ownognizance to return to court later, per the  law.  

Assisting with the investigation for the Sheriff’s Office was Deputy Justin Hilt.  

The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office was present and represented Sick at the court arraignment for her defense. The Livingston County District Attorney’s Office was notified but did not appear to represent the people.  

“Another day, another catch and release by state law mandate,” stated Sheriff Dougherty. “If we are going to curb the deadly drug that fentanyl is and try to reduce its death count, I do not believe that catch and release is the solution of B  felony drug charges. Again, common sense has to prevail at some point and until then we will keep the conversation going and we will keep doing our very best within the current laws.”