From July 5-8, the New York State Police and the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office conducted an investigation into drug sales occurring in and around the Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman.

The New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team and troopers from the Jamestown, Fredonia and Collins barracks took part in the investigation, and as a result, the following people were charged:

¯ Nathaniel A. Holland, 55, of Buffalo was charged with imitation controlled substance, and unlawful possession of marijuana. State Police officials said, in a news release, that Holland has a long criminal history with numerous violent felonies.

¯ Kyle N. Neubeck, 24, of North Collins was charged with two counts of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

¯ Michael J. Golden, 27, of Jamestown was charged with two counts of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

¯ Joshua A. Reeves, 33, of North East was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, with further charges possible pending an analysis of a third buy. All charges are felonies.

¯ Jacob L. Gilbert, 33, of North East was charged with two counts of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal possession controlled substance, all felonies; fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest. Gilbert also has further charges possible pending a lab analysis from a third buy.

¯ Joseph J. Violanti, 27, of Eden was charged with four counts of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

¯ Patrick J. Summers, 23, of Deposit was charged with three counts of fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

In addition to the above charges, troopers also charged eight people with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation; charged three with fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor; charged three people with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor; and charged two with driving while intoxicated.

The following property and drugs were seized: one Dodge Ram pick-up truck and camper, more than $3,000 in U.S. currency; cocaine; synthetic cocaine, LSD, MDMA, mushrooms, concentrated cannabis, marijuana, edibles, diazapam and alprazolam.

Assisting the State Police were the Jamestown Police Department, New York Forest Rangers, Chautauqua County Probation and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation is continuing and more charges are expected.

“The Chautauqua County District Attorney’s office offers it’s thanks to the State Police for making this operation a success,” said Patrick Swanson, county district attorney. “The Blue Heron Festival brings a large number of people into our county. We want to see the event be successful and also comport to the organizers’ assertion that this is a family friendly festival. Illegal drug activity should not hamper a family’s ability to enjoy an otherwise great event. Having grown up in Sherman I know the town and the emergency responders appreciate the efforts the State Police have invested into policing the festival.”