Three Busted for Drugs and Weapons in Walton, New York

Sheriff Craig S. DuMond has announced the arrest of three Walton residents on multiple drug-related charges following a narcotics investigation.

On Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) executed a no-knock search warrant at a residence on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton. The warrant was the result of a narcotics investigation conducted by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

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Following the search, the following individuals were arrested:

• Benjamin A. Pankiewicz, 43, of Walton, was charged with four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (Class B felonies), two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree (Class A misdemeanors), and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree (a Class C felony).
• Gage S. Pankiewicz, 22, of Walton, was charged with four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (Class B felonies), two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree (a Class A misdemeanor), and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree (a Class C felony).
• Ashley S. Calabrese, 37, of Walton, was charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth degree (a Class A misdemeanor), four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (Class B felonies), two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree (Class A misdemeanors), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree (a Class A misdemeanor), and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree (a Class C felony).

During the search, authorities seized quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug packaging and processing equipment, a firearm, and approximately $1,000 in cash.

All three individuals were arraigned in Delaware County Centralized Arraignment. In compliance with New York State Bail Reform legislation, both Benjamin and Gage Pankiewicz were released and are scheduled to appear at a later date. Ashley Calabrese was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $7,500 bail.