PRESS RELEASE (ARREST)
LOCATION OF ARREST: Division Street, Amsterdam NY
NAME AND ADDRESS OF ARRESTEE(S):
Awilda Cortes AGE: 36
Amsterdam, New York 12010
NAME AND CLASSIFICATION OF CHARGES (F/M/V):
1. Tampering With Physical Evidence (E-Felony)
2. Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2ND (A-Misdemeanor)
3. Criminal Possession Of A Controlled Substance 7TH (A-Misdemeanor)
ARRAIGNMENT/BAIL STATUS: Awilda Cortes was processed at Amsterdam Police headquarters and issued an appearance ticket requiring her to return to Amsterdam City Court at a later date.
INCIDENT NARRATIVE: On November 21, 2023 at approximately 11:00 a.m. while on routine patrol on Division Street an Amsterdam Police patrol officer observed a wanted person occupying a 2013 Chrysler 200 motor vehicle. A second person was also observed inside the vehicle. A field interview was conducted on the vehicle and its occupants. The wanted person was taken into custody without issue. While on scene the officer identified that the passenger had thrown something away from her person during the encounter. Upon further investigation it was determined that the item she attempted to discard was equipment used to consume narcotics. The passenger identified as, AwildaCortes, was placed into custody without further issue. Officers then conducted a vehicle search with the consent of the owner. Officers located a substance consistent with that of crack cocaine within the vehicle. Awilda was then transported to Amsterdam Police headquarters and processed on the above charges.
The Amsterdam Police Department was assisted by the Office of the Montgomery County District Attorney Lorraine Diamond in this investigation.
While there was probable cause for this arrest, all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
