Liberty career dope dealer pleads guilty felonies

LIBERTY- A Liberty drug dealer who has nine prior misdemeanor convictions has been convicted on two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and faces nine and a half years in state prison when sentenced in May.

Gerrod Prater, 41, was first arrested in May of 2023 after his residence in a Liberty motel was searched by police. The search yielded approximately 54 grams of fentanyl, however, Prater was released immediately following his arrest pursuant to the state’s bail reform laws.

After being released, police continued their investigation into Prater, resulting in the execution of a second search warrant at his new residence at the Knights Inn, in Liberty. The second search yielded approximately 22 grams of crack-cocaine and Prater was re-arrested.

Sullivan County District Attorney Brian Conaty said, “Prater’s persistent desire to place a mere profit over the safety and well-being of the citizens of Sullivan County perpetuated the already disproportionate impact the opioid epidemic has plagued on this County. By engaging in this behavior at a location known for the tragic loss of a life owing to narcotics, Prater demonstrated his blatant disregard for the consequences of his actions.”

Village of Liberty Police Chief Steven D’Agata added, “This investigation, arrest, and prosecution should send a message loud and clear to all individuals intent on putting dangerous drugs onto our streets, we will not tolerate it.”

Prater is due to be sentenced on May 2, 2024, before Sullivan County Court Judge Jim Farrell.

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Liberty career dope dealer pleads guilty felonies

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