Two grooms were arrested on felony charges for the possession of narcotics Aug. 18 at Saratoga Race Course, where members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department's special investigations unit completed a narcotics investigation into a dorm residence on New York Racing Association property.
Saratoga Springs Police reported Jose Hidalgo, 59, and Guadalupe Montesdecoa-Aguilar, 36, were arrested on the following charges: criminal possession of a controlled substance second degree, possession of 4 ounces or more (an A-II felony). Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, possession with intent to sell (a B felony).
It is alleged that both men were in possession of over 200 grams of cocaine while working on NYRA property.
A class A-II felony in the state of New York carries a maximum life sentence, with a minimum between three years and eight years plus four months. A class B felony in the state of New York carries a maximum of up to 25 years in prison, with a minimum of no less than one year and no more than a third of the maximum term.
Hidalgo and Montesdecoa-Aguilar were arraigned in Saratoga Springs City Court and held without bail due to the severity of the charges, and remanded to the custody of the Saratoga County Sheriff until further court proceedings.
The Saratoga Springs Police Department was assisted with the investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office and NYRA Security.
A NYRA spokesperson declined further comment.
