CONVICTION IN SIDNEY DRUG DEALING CASE

DELHI - Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Jessica Lopez, 28, of Sidney, New York, was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felony in Delaware County Court on April 15, 2024.  

The defendant appeared in Delaware County Court on April 15, 2024, for an arraignment on drug related charges.  After being arraigned by Delaware County Court Judge John L. Hubbard, the defendant pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, possession with intent to sell.  Prior to pleading guilty, the defendant admitted that she possessed fentanyl in the Village of Sidney on February 27, 2024.  The defendant further admitted that she intended to sell that fentanyl.  

This guilty plea was entered as part of a negotiated disposition wherein it is agreed that the defendant will be sentenced to 6.5 years in state prison, and 2 years of post-release supervision. The case was adjourned until June 10, 2024, for sentencing.  

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended New York State Police Investigator Patrick Finn and the New York State Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team for their outstanding work in this case. “They were able to seize these illegal drugs before they were sold in our community.”  Smith further stated, “Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs. Drug dealers seek to maximize their profit by mixing fentanyl with other illegal drugs, and that has fueled the increase in overdoses we are seeing. I will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that every drug dealer is held accountable for their illegal actions.” 

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County