A 33-year-old man from Owasco, Nicholas M. Passarello, was arrested this week after being found in possession of crack cocaine during an investigation at Emerson Park in Fleming.
Passarello was taken into custody on February 12, following an arrest warrant issued in December. He has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a misdemeanor under New York State law.
The investigation began on December 3, when Cayuga County Sheriff’s Deputies noticed a suspicious vehicle parked at Emerson Park after hours. As they approached the vehicle, Passarello opened the driver’s door to speak with the officers. During the conversation, a clear container fell to the ground, revealing a white powdery substance, which was later confirmed to be crack cocaine.
Despite multiple attempts to contact Passarello and have him turn himself in, the deputies received no response, leading to an arrest warrant being issued through Fleming Town Court on December 9.
More than two months later, on February 12, State Police located Passarello in Homer, New York. He was taken into custody and transported to the Cayuga County Jail for processing. After his arraignment that evening, Passarello was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in Fleming Town Court on February 25 at 4:30 p.m.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office or submit anonymous tips through the SaferWatch app.
