Three 21-year-olds from Gloversville and Johnstown face federal drug charges after their Sept. 2 arrests in Gloversville, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York announced Friday.
Prosecutors identified them as John Dimick Jr. of Gloversville and Quadir Johnson and Darena Rutauskas of Johnstown. Each was charged with distributing a controlled substance and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The allegations have not been proven, and the three are presumed innocent unless convicted.
According to federal complaints, Johnson sold more than 200 counterfeit Percocet pills containing heroin and fentanyl to Dimick on Aug. 24. Prosecutors allege Dimick then sold the pills to a confidential source. The complaints also allege the three were driving to make another pill sale to the source Sept. 2 when they were arrested. Investigators said pills were found in Rutauskas' possession.
Prosecutors said Johnson, who was driving, tried to leave after police stopped the vehicle but drove onto the roadside verge. All three appeared in federal court the day of their arrests.
Dimick agreed to remain detained while the case proceeds. Johnson was initially released under conditions after a Sept. 4 hearing, but later agreed to detention and was in custody when prosecutors issued their Oct. 2 announcement. Rutauskas was released under pretrial conditions.
The charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting it.
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