Multiple people were arrested Friday after Ithaca police executed several search warrants as part of a months-long investigation into narcotics sales and illegal weapons possession, authorities said.
According to the Ithaca Police Department, the warrants were executed around 8 a.m. Jan. 9 with assistance from the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team. The operation followed a six-month investigation that remains ongoing, with additional evidence still being processed.
Search warrants were served at a residence in the 400 block of Worth Street, multiple apartments in the 100 block of Cherry Street, and a residence on Belles Hollow Drive in the town of Newfield.
Following the searches, 40-year-old Meleek Miller and 38-year-old Courtney Finney, both of Ithaca, were arrested and charged with first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, an A-1 felony.
Police also arrested Dajon Dunton, a 29-year-old Ithaca resident, who was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a C felony, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a D felony.
Ithaca Police also announced that 21-year-old Diyandre Harriett of Ithaca was arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred Nov. 1, 2025, near West State Street and Plain Street, where a victim was struck by gunfire. Harriett was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree criminal use of a firearm, fourth-degree conspiracy, first-degree attempted assault, and first-degree reckless endangerment.
All individuals charged were arraigned in Ithaca City Court by Judge Wallace and remanded to the Tompkins County Jail, police said. Further charges are pending.
Police said an employee of Arhaus was also taken into custody in connection with the investigation for their alleged role in furthering the exploitation of vulnerable individuals living in one of the affected buildings. No additional details were immediately released.
In an earlier statement, police acknowledged the investigation may be concerning to community members and said the actions were taken with the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals as a primary focus.
The Ithaca Police Department credited the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, Cornell University Police, New York State Police and the FBI for their assistance and collaboration.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ithaca Police tip line at 607-330-0000 or submit an anonymous tip through the city’s website.
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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