Pubdate: Thu, 20 Apr 2006
Source: Ithaca Journal, The (NY)
Copyright: 2006, The Ithaca Journal
Contact: http://www.theithacajournal.com/news/letters.html
Website: http://www.theithacajournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1098
Author: Darise Jean-Baptiste

911 DISPATCHER ACCUSED OF TIPPING OFF DRUG SUSPECTS

SENECA FALLS - A former Seneca County 911 dispatcher was arrested for 
revealing confidential police information regarding a search warrant 
for drugs and arrest of a suspect.

Seneca County Sheriff's deputies arrested Michelle S. Eaton, 40, of 
155 West Bayard St., Apt. 69, Seneca Falls Tuesday on charges of 
official misconduct and second-degree obstruction governmental 
administration. The culmination of a lengthy investigation by the 
sheriff's office and Seneca County District Attorney resulted in 
Eaton's arrest at about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday at her home. Police said 
Eaton allegedly revealed confidential police information to a Sean 
D'Erdita regarding a search warrant conducted by the sheriff's office 
on Oct. 14. for drugs and the arrest of Samual R. Bassile, 20, 2699 
Kingdom Road, Seneca Falls.

Police said Bassile was warned prior to the raid on his residence and 
was apprehended attempting to dispose of evidence -- cocaine and 
marijuana. Eaton was working as a 911 dispatcher at the time of the 
incident and had relayed the confidential information of the pending 
search warrant and arrest in an attempt to prevent apprehension of 
acquaintances involved in the illegal trafficking and use of 
controlled substances, according to police.

Casey J. Benjamin, 21, 14 Peterman Road and D'Erdita, 23, of Lower 
Lake Road, both of Seneca Falls, were also arrested Jan. 31 on 
charges of second-degree hindering prosecution.

Eaton, Benjamin and D'Erdita were all taken to the Seneca County 
Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 secured bond.

Eaton was suspended from duty as a result of the ongoing 
investigation and subsequently terminated from employment on March 
30, police said.

"It is unfortunate when a trusted member of public service violates 
that trust and commits such an act," Sheriff Leo T. Connolly wrote in 
a press release. "As sheriff, I ensure that this, and other internal 
investigations initiated by the Office of Sheriff will be vigorously 
investigated and misconduct and criminal acts will be dealt with severely."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman