Livingston Deputies charge two men with felony drug crimes

INTERSTATE 390 - Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrest of two Livingston County residents on felony drug charges following a traffic stop. On October 28th, 2024 Deputy Jerry Pilkenton was assigned to the Sheriff's Office Highway Patrol Unit when he conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 390 in the Town of Avon for violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic law. Deputy Pilkenton made contact with the operator, 67-year-old Dennis Estruch of Mount Morris NY, and passenger, 60- year-old Alan Dale of Dansville NY.

Through further investigation, the Deputy suspected the individuals to be involved in drug activity. A search was conducted, and units on the scene located a quantity of crack cocaine. Both Estruch and Dale were taken into custody. Estruch was arrested and charged with, felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, along with several Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations. Dale was arrested and charged with felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree.

Both Estruch and Dale were turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing. The District Attorney's Office was contacted in regarding bail due to the felony level charges. It was recommended that Estruch be released on his own recognizance, as the charges do not qualify for bail under the NYS Justice Reform Act. As for Dale, it was recommended that he be held without bail due to four prior felony convictions.

Both Estruch and Dale were later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) at the Livingston County Jail before Justice Hoffman. The Judge did release Estruch on his own recognizance per the law to return to court at a later date and Deputies did set him free. Dale was committed to the custody of the Sheriff and remanded without bail.

The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office was present and represented both Estruch and Dale at the court arraignment for their defense. The Livingston County District Attorney’s Office was notified and did appear to represent the People.