Four people were arrested following a Finger Lakes Drug Task Force investigation into narcotics activity in the City of Auburn that led to the seizure of cocaine, a handgun, and materials used in drug sales.
According to investigators, members of the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force had been investigating the alleged possession, sale, and distribution of narcotics by James Humphrey and Neil Burt in Cayuga County. Based on that investigation, authorities obtained court-authorized search warrants for multiple residences in Auburn.
Search warrants were executed on Wednesday morning. During the searches, investigators say they recovered cocaine, drug paraphernalia commonly used to package and distribute narcotics and other substances, digital scales, and a handgun.
As a result of the investigation, four Auburn residents were arrested:
James Humphrey, 57, was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, two counts, Class B felonies
- Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony
Jessica Terwilliger, 45, was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, two counts, Class B felonies
Neil Burt, 38, was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B felony
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony
Susan Ryan, 61, was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B felony
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony
Authorities said Ryan and Terwilliger were released on their own recognizance following arraignment. Burt was remanded to the Cayuga County Jail due to two previous felony convictions and is being held pending further court proceedings. Humphrey was also ordered held at the Cayuga County Jail due to four prior felony convictions.
The Finger Lakes Drug Task Force includes members of the New York State Police, Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, and Auburn Police Department. The task force also receives support from the Auburn Police Department’s GIVE Unit, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, and Geneva Police Department.
The Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case.
The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
