Drug investigation leads to multiple arrests

Tioga County Sheriff Investigators concluded a five-month investigation into suspected drug activity at 3 Elm St. in the Village of Newark Valley, N.Y. The investigation was launched after numerous reports of suspected drug activity were reported by the public.

Sheriff Investigators executed a search warrant at the residence on Sept. 30. Several components used in the production of methamphetamine were recovered and removed from the residence.

Investigators have arrested two persons in connection with this investigation. Gina M. Garcia, age 27 of 303 Arthur Ave., Endicott, N.Y. and James M. Ridgway, age 62 of 3 Elm St., Newark Valley, N.Y. were both charged with Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine in the third degree, a class D Felony.

In an unconnected investigation, Ridgway was also charged with Burglary in the Third Degree, a class D Felony and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D Felony relating to a break in at a vacant manufacturing property, known as the Ladder Factory at 5 Clinton St., in the Village of Newark Valley.

Both defendants were arraigned before Justice John Schumacher of the Town of Owego Court. Garcia was released on her own recognizance, to be supervised by the Tioga County Probation Department, and Ridgway was remanded to the Tioga County Jail on $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond. Both are scheduled to appear in front of Justice John Schaffer in the Town of Newark Valley Court at a later date.

The Tioga County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by in the investigation by the New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team; the Newark Valley Fire Department, and; the Northern Tioga Emergency Medical Services.