Clinton Co. D.A. announces multiple drug-related convictions and sentencings

PLATTSBURGH | The Clinton County District Attorney's Office has announced several narcotics and property‑crime convictions finalized recently. Prosecutors say these outcomes reflect the continued coordinated efforts of local law enforcement and prosecutors to address drug distribution, repeat offending, and community safety. Denis St. Onge, Jr. – Multiple Narcotics Convictions On Oct. 5, Denis St. Onge, Jr., 40, of St. Albans, Vt., was sentenced by Judge Keith M. Bruno to five years under the custody of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision with three years of post‑release supervision on two separate Superior Court Informations. He was also ordered to pay mandatory court surcharges and fees and to forfeit the drug proceeds seized during the investigation. The sentences are to run concurrently. On Oct. 30, 2025, St. Onge was arrested by the New York State Police and charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance for possessing over one‑half ounce of narcotics, and three counts of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, as well as multiple traffic violations. This arrest originated from a traffic stop during which St. Onge fled his vehicle and retreated into his residence, where officers located cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, a cutting agent, plastic bags for distribution, and digital scales. In a separate incident, St. Onge was re-arrested on May 24, 2026, by the Plattsburgh City Police Department on two other felony drug-possession charges and two misdemeanor drug-related charges for possessing over one‑half ounce of cocaine along with fentanyl. This arrest stemmed from St. Onge being found in possession of crack cocaine packaged for resale, along with buprenorphine and hydrocodone. St. Onge was represented by Lauren Parnes, Esq. Charles Kesse – Multiple Indictments and Narcotics Convictions On Oct. 6, Charles Kesse, 24, of the Bronx, was sentenced by Judge William A. Favreau in connection with two indictments arising from separate narcotics investigations. On Nov. 17, 2025, Kesse was arrested by the New York State Police and charged with six felony drug-possession charges, as well as four counts of misdemeanor drug-paraphernalia charges after he was found in possession of more than one‑half ounce of cocaine, along with a digital scale and packaging materials used for narcotics distribution. On Dec. 10, 2025, Kesse was arrested again in connection with narcotics seized from a local hotel earlier that November. These two arrests were consolidated, and on March 4, 2026, the Clinton County Grand Jury filed an indictment encompassing both incidents. On April 8,, the Grand Jury filed an additional indictment charging Kesse with four felony drug charges, all stemming from his possession and sale of cocaine. Kesse received concurrent sentences of 6.5 years and 4.5 years in DOCCS custody, each with two years of post‑release supervision, in addition to all mandated fines, surcharges, and fees. Kesse was represented by Dave Gervais, Esq. Jared Lashway – Narcotics, Weapons, and Property Crime Sentencings On Oct. 9, Jared Lashway, 38, of Plattsburgh, was sentenced by Judge William A. Favreau pursuant to three Superior Court Informations. The first matter arose from Lashway's December 2025 arrest by the Plattsburgh City Police Department for fourth-degree criminal possession of a narcotic drug and second-degree obstructing governmental administration. During a vehicle stop in response to a suspicious‑vehicle call, Lashway repeatedly refused lawful commands to exit the vehicle, and Officers observed Lashway moving around inside the car in a manner suggesting he was attempting to conceal or destroy evidence. Lashway was eventually found to be in possession of over one-eighth ounce of cocaine. He was arraigned in Plattsburgh City Court and released on his own recognizance. He was later sentenced to four years in DOCCS custody with two years of post‑release supervision. The second matter, stemming from his January 2026 arrest by Plattsburgh City Police, charged Lashway with felony drug and weapon possession. He was again arraigned in Plattsburgh City Court and released on his own recognizance. He received a sentence of 1⅓ to 4 years in DOCCS custody. The third matter resulted from Lashway's arrest on Jan. 28, 2026, in which he was charged with felony and misdemeanor stolen-property charges after he stole a vehicle and hid it in an effort to impede its recovery. He was sentenced to one-to-three years in DOCCS custody, ordered to pay restitution, and issued a five‑year stay‑away order of protection in favor of the victim. All sentences will run concurrently. Lashway was represented by Dave Gervais, Esq. District Attorney Wylie said, "We continue to see cases where offenders are released and reoffend while their prior charges are still pending, placing residents, law enforcement, and victims at risk. The cycle of repeat offending, particularly in narcotics crimes, threatens public‑safety and puts undue strains on already scarce public resources. New York State's bail policy continues to undermine the stability of our community. Despite these challenges, our prosecutors and law‑enforcement partners remain unwavering in their efforts. We will continue to build strong cases, seek real accountability for offenders, and do everything within the law to disrupt the criminal activity that threatens our community."

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Clinton Co. D.A. announces multiple drug-related convictions and sentencings

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