The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Forestburgh man in connection with heroin sales in the Monticello area. Jason Bolden, 45, was taken into custody on Tuesday (10-2-12) in the parking lot of Burger King in Monticello after deputies observed him making a deal.

According to Sheriff Mike Schiff, Bolden was on his agency’s radar due to seven recent fatal overdoses in Sullivan County. At four of those scenes, police recovered glassine envelopes that contained heroin with the brand name “Last Dragon” printed on them. Bolden was in possession of the “Last Dragon” brand when he was arrested.

The Sheriff said the investigation began in September when Sullivan County Coroner Alan Kesten notified him of the overdoses. “Coroner Kesten compared his notes with the other coroners and they realized that an alarming trend was developing”, said Schiff. The Sheriff immediately put his Gang Intelligence Unit on the trail, which developed information pointing to Jason Bolden.

Deputies tracked Bolden to a store front at 2677 Rt-42 in Forestburgh which contains an eatery known as the “Dragon Fly” and what also appears to be a used car dealership. “We believe Forestburgh was his base of operations”, said the Sheriff. In the meantime Deputies are working with the other local police agencies that have investigated heroin deaths to determine if they involve the “last Dragon” brand.

At the time of his arrest Jason Bolden had two other adults and a four year old child in his vehicle. Bolden was charged with Felony Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was arraigned before Bethel Town Justice Kevin Rhyne and sent to the Sullivan County Jail without bail.

Lawrence James, 50, of Shaker Heights in Monticello was charged with Loitering in the First degree and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Spring Jackson, 35 of Forestburgh was charged with Loitering in the First degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Both were given appearance tickets and released.

All three defendants are due in Town of Thompson court on October 17, 2012 at 6:00PM.

Any citizens who wish to provide any information regarding this case or other crimes are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s confidential TIPS line at 845-807-0158.