Two Binghamton men and a Johnson City woman are facing a dozen felony weapon and drug charges following a traffic stop by the Broome County Sheriff’s Strategic Response Group (SRG) in the City of Binghamton.
On Wednesday, September 4, at approximately 10 p.m., Broome County Sheriff’s SRG conducted a routine traffic stop in the area of 178 Matthews Street in Binghamton.
Patrols determined that the vehicle had no insurance, was unregistered, uninspected and all three occupants had suspended driving privileges. During the course of the investigation, deputies observed a pistol partially concealed on the floor of the vehicle, ultimately leading to the recovery of a loaded Springfield XD-40 .40 caliber handgun.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a plastic bag containing 8.9 grams of a clear, crystal-like substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine, as well as a digital scale.
None of the individuals claimed ownership of the loaded firearm, methamphetamine or scale.
Following the investigation, the three occupants were arrested with the following charges:
The driver, Stanley S. Conklin, 26 of Binghamton, NY, was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell), a Class B Felony;
- Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm in the 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony;
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (W/Previous Conviction), a Class D Felony;
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th Degree (Firearm), a Class E Felony;
- Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor; and
- 10 Traffic Violations.
One of the passengers, Jorge M. Cortina, 39 of Binghamton, NY, was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell), a Class B Felony;
- Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm in the 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony;
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (W/Previous Conviction), a Class D Felony;
- Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 1st Degree, a Class D Felony; and
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th Degree (Firearm), a Class E Felony.
The other passenger, Christen V. Sterling, 31 of Johnson City, NY, was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell), a Class B Felony;
- Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm in the 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony;
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th Degree (Firearm), a Class E Felony; and
- Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor.
All three individuals were transported to Central Arraignment Part for arraignment and are currently in custody at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility.
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the investigation by the Binghamton Police Department.
