Sentencing in Drug Case

DELHI – Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Gage Pankiewicz, 23, of Walton, New York was sentenced to five years of felony probation supervision for the crime of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D Felony, in Delaware County Court on March 18, 2025.

On September 4, 2024, deputies of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at a residence in the Village of Walton on suspicion of drug trafficking. A forcible entry was made, and deputies arrested Gage Pankiewicz, among other suspects. During the search, suspected narcotics later confirmed to be methamphetamine, was recovered by deputies along with a blue substance later confirmed to be fentanyl. Deputies also recovered packaging, scales, and a rifle. Two other individuals were also arrested. On January 21, 2025, Mr. Pankiewicz pled guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D Felony. 

On March 18, 2025, Mr. Pankiewicz appeared for sentencing. Pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement, Judge John L. Hubbard sentenced Pankiewicz to five years of felony probation supervision. If Pankiewicz fails to abide by the terms of his probation, he faces up to two and a half years in state prison.

District Attorney Shawn Smith thanked law enforcement for their efforts, “I want to thank Senior Investigator Chris Erwin, Investigator David Barnes, Major John Demeo, Corporal Kyle Karcher and Deputies Zachary Finch and Robert Mantzouratos, for their work on this case. Searching drug houses such as these is never safe, and I am glad that their work has resulted in these convictions.”