Schenectady police arrest five during major drug bust

Schenectady, NY – A search warrant execution led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of a significant quantity of crack cocaine and two handguns on the evening of Thursday, October 23. The Schenectady Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit conducted the operation at 10 Swan Street Apt. 3.

Thomas L. Smith, 38, from Schenectady, faces charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. Matthew J. Skolnick, 36, also from Schenectady, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Ieshia D. Leak, 36, from Magnolia, North Carolina, has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. Gregory R. Chapman, 39, from Schenectady, faces charges including criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Heidi E. Rathbun, 34, from Albany, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. The operation reflects ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime in the area.

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