K-9 RIGGS INSTRUMENTAL IN NEW DRUG INDICTMENT 7,00000 IN FENTANYL AND METHAMPHETAMINE SEIZED

DELHI - Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Zachary A. Rowe, 24, of Harpursville, New York appeared for arraignment on a two-count indictment in Delaware County Court. 

On October 1, 2023, Sidney Police Officer Royce Terry arrested the defendant on a bench warrant.  After being taken into custody, Sidney K9 Officer Royce Terry and K9 Officer Riggs conducted a search of the defendant’s personal property.  K9 Officer Riggs is a 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer that officially began working with the Sidney Police in August of this year after he became state certified in the detection of narcotics.

After becoming involved in the search, Riggs quickly discovered and indicated the presence of narcotics.  Officer Terry then used Rigg’s indication to obtain a search warrant. A subsequent police search revealed approximately $7,000.00 in illegal methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

Count One of the Indictment accuses the defendant of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D Felony for possessing methamphetamine, with intent to sell it, in the Village of Sidney.

Count Two of the Indictment accuses the defendant of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony of possessing fentanyl, with intent to sell it, in the Village of Sidney.

John L. Hubbard, Delaware County Court Judge, remanded the defendant to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail. 

Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith stated, “I commend Sidney Police K9 Handler Terry and K9 Officer Riggs for their thorough investigation of this case.  K9 Officer Riggs is a handsome and intelligent dog. He is proving to be an effective weapon in our battle to remove dangerous drugs from our communities.” 

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

Shawn J. Smith

Acting District Attorney

Delaware County