FLEMING — A 33-year-old Owasco man has been arrested on a drug possession charge following an investigation that began in December 2024, the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Sheriff Brian Schenck reported that on December 3, 2024, at approximately 3:20 a.m., deputies observed a suspicious vehicle parked at Emerson Park in Fleming after dark. Upon approaching the vehicle, the sole occupant, Nicholas M. Passarello, opened the driver’s door, and a clear container fell to the ground. The container held a white powdery substance consistent with crack cocaine.
Deputies collected the evidence and attempted to contact Passarello multiple times to issue an appearance ticket. After he failed to respond, an arrest warrant was issued through Fleming Town Court on December 9, 2024.
Passarello was taken into custody on February 12, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m., after being located by the New York State Police in Homer, NY. He was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree under NYS Penal Law 220.03.
Passarello was processed and held at Cayuga County Jail until his arraignment at 7:00 p.m., where he was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Fleming Court on February 25, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
