Indictment in Drug and Gun Possession Case

DELHI - Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that the Delaware County Grand Jury returned a four-count indictment against Michael C. Thiel, 51, of Sidney, New York on January 23, 2025. 

Count One of the Indictment accuses Michael C. Thiel of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.  It is alleged that the defendant possessed a 9mm pistol with the intent to use it unlawfully against another. If the defendant is convicted of this crime, he faces up to 15 years in prison and 5 years of post-release supervision. 

Count Two of the Indictment accuses the defendant of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.  

Count Three of the indictment accuses the defendant of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony. The defendant is alleged to have possessed methamphetamine in the Village of Sidney on October 10, 2024. It is further alleged that the defendant was intending to sell that methamphetamine. 

Count Four of the indictment accuses the defendant of Criminal Nuisance in the First Degree, a Class E Felony. It is alleged that the defendant maintained a premises in the Village of Sidney where persons came to gather for the purpose of engaging in the unlawful sale of narcotics. 

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Sidney Village Police Officer Royce Terry and Sergeant Christopher Dionne for their thorough investigation into this serious case. 

Indictments and Criminal Complaints are allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.