Central NY man charged after troopers say they witnessed drug deal

Utica, N.Y. — A Utica man was arrested after state police said troopers saw him take part in a suspected drug transaction.

On Nov. 5, troopers stopped a vehicle ― driven by Jonathan L. Franklin, 27 ― during an organized retail theft detail in the city, according to Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a spokesperson for State Police.

Franklin had about a half-ounce each of crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and cocaine, all packaged for sale inside his vehicle, Jiron said.

Franklin was charged with three counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, all felonies.

Franklin was arraigned in Oneida County Centralized Arraignment Court and sent to the county jail in lieu of $20,000 cash bail, a $100,000 bond, or a $200,000 partially secured bond, Jiron said.

Darian Stevenson is a breaking news reporter for Syracuse.com, covering crime, public safety, and fast-moving stories across Central New York. She’s especially focused on reporting that highlights and impacts...