New York Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
Five Columbia University students, all between the age of 20 and 22, have been charged with felony drug sales including LSD, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and Adderall, which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The arrest arose out of a five month undercover sting known as “Operation Ivy League” by the NYPD and prosecutors. The students were arrested on December 7, 2010 after making sales to undercover officers of approximately $11,000 since July of this year. Two of the students claimed that they needed the money because their father would not pay his tuition.
All five students were apparently videotaped making sales, and when police searched the students’ rooms, they allegedly seized a bottle of LSD, Ecstasy capsules, more than half a pound of marijuana and $2,000 in cash. The students were arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court last week before Judge Michael Sonberg and each pleaded not guilty. They were held in custody at Rikers Island pending making bond payments, which ranged from $30,000 to $75,000.
Under the Penal Law of New York State, felony drug sales of a controlled substance carry a potential jail term of a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 7 years on the D felony of Criminal Sale of a controlled substance in the 5th degree. This charge also has a fine of up to $5,000.00.
Contact the Westchester County Criminal Defense Lawyers at The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel online or toll free at (914) 428-7386 if you or a loved one is charged with a criminal offense or traffic infraction for a free consultation to go over to legal rights and options.