Atkins – held without bail
PHILMONT – Four local people were arrested by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit following a six-week investigation into drug trafficking.
Authorities executed a search warrant at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday in an apartment at 160 Main Street in the Village of Philmont and seized crack cocaine, marijuana, packaging equipment, supplies and paraphernalia. The evidence recovered indicated the suspects intended to sell the illegal drugs, police said.
Arrested was Dawaun Atkins, 38, of that address, who was charged on an outstanding court warrant on drug charges. He was sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail and authorities said additional charges are pending.
Three other people in the apartment were also arrested – Crystal VanAlphen, 33; Christina Niegel, 37; and Anna Decker, 57, all of Philmont. They were each charged with misdemeanor drug possession and were issued appearance tickets returnable to local court.
The investigation is continuing and police said additional charges are pending.
Assisting the sheriff’s office were Hudson City Police, State Police, the Columbia County Probation Department and County District Attorney’s Office.
