Just days after being sworn in for a new four-year term on City Council, a City of Geneva councilor was arrested as part of an ongoing narcotics trafficking investigation in the Geneva area.
New York State Police say 45-year-old Ahmad Whitfield of Geneva was taken into custody on Wednesday following an investigation conducted by the State Police Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team, in coordination with the Geneva Police Department, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, and the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.
Police allege Whitfield sold a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl during the course of the investigation. He was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, an A felony, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, both B felonies.
Whitfield was processed and transported to the Ontario County Jail for CAP arraignment. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
Following the arrest, the City of Geneva released a statement acknowledging Whitfield’s arrest and emphasizing that the matter is now before the courts.
City officials said it would be inappropriate to comment on the details of the case and noted that Whitfield is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process under the law. The city stated it is not a party to the case, and the city government will continue operating without interruption.
“This is a serious situation, and it is important that we respect the legal process and the rights of all involved,” Mayor James Cecere said in the statement. “My responsibility, and the responsibility of this Council, is to ensure that the City continues to serve our residents with stability, transparency, and professionalism.”
The city added that any future actions, if required, would be handled in accordance with the City Charter and New York State law.
Whitfield, a Democrat, was re-elected in November.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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