Margaretville couple charged with drug & gun possession
On January 12, Sheriff Craig DuMond of Delaware County announced the arrest of two Margaretville residents, Dennis Fickeria Jr., aged 42, and Deidre Vincent, 34, following a comprehensive 10-month investigation into illegal drug and gun possession. The pair, residing at 1542 Jones Hollow Road, were apprehended on January 3 after separate vehicular stops and a subsequent search of their home.
The investigation, which spanned nearly a year, involved interviews with multiple confidential informants and extensive surveillance of both the local Speedway gas station on state Route 28 and the suspects’ residence. Investigators were tipped off that Vincent was allegedly hiding narcotics in the Speedway gas station’s restroom and dealing drugs there. Additionally, there were reports of drug sales from their home.
The culmination of this probe led to Fickeria’s arrest during a traffic stop for speeding on state Route 28. K-9 Dexter, trained in narcotics detection, signaled the possibility of drugs in Fickeria’s car, leading to the discovery of fentanyl. Following Fickeria’s arrest, a search warrant for their residence was issued. Vincent was subsequently stopped for traffic violations and later that night, a search of their home revealed the presence of minors, unsecured and loaded firearms, including stolen guns and ghost guns, and various controlled substances.
Sheriff DuMond highlighted the critical role of public tips in expediting the investigation. He also expressed concern over the increasing presence of ghost guns in the region, citing a recent drive-by shooting incident in Otego involving such weapons.
Both Vincent and Fickeria faced multiple charges related to drug, gun, and stolen property possession, including felonies. Vincent was released on her own recognizance, while Fickeria was initially held on bail. They were both re-arrested on January 10 and charged with first-degree criminal possession of a weapon, with Fickeria being held without bail. A grand jury indicted Vincent on 37 counts and Fickeria on 38 counts, including weapon possession, possession of defaced firearms, ghost guns, large-capacity magazines, stolen property, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, and failure to safely store rifles.
Tina Molé, Bovina Town Supervisor, and Glen Faulkner, Middletown Town Supervisor, commended the sheriff’s office for their diligent work on the case.
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