On 05/13/2024, Sheriff's Office deputies making up our GIVE task force conducted an 8-hour detail in the City of Ithaca. Deputies were assisted by a member of the Tompkins County Probation Department. The following interdictions and arrests were made:
Jamie N. Gerhart, age 45, of Brooktondale, was arrested for two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (Class A Misdemeanors) for allegedly possessing Fentanyl and crack cocaine. The arrest stemmed from a traffic stop in the City of Ithaca.
George J. Pyhitla, age 25, of Ithaca, was arrested after allegedly being seen by deputies openly using narcotics inside of a vehicle near the County Human Services Building. He was charged with Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia - 2nd (Class A Misdemeanor).
Patrick F. Booker was arrested for the alleged possession of almost 40 baggies of crack cocaine and one baggie of cocaine. Booker, a predicate felon was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class B Felony) and was remanded without bail. The arrest stemmed from a traffic stop in the City of Ithaca.
All defendants were suspected to be involved in the drug trade that is oftentimes accompanied by illegal gun possession and associated gun violence.
As previously reported, the GIVE program was initiated by the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office who has been leading the task force to qualm violent crime with a focus on the City of Ithaca. Beginning 7/1/2024, the grant and task force activities will be turned over the Ithaca City Police Department.
Sheriff Osborne stated, "I am happy with the work my deputies have conducted in quashing gun violence in the City of Ithaca over the past year, and we are proud to turn this work over to the Ithaca City Police Department moving forward".
