BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — An Erie County jail deputy has been arrested for drug-related charges after a three-week investigation, according to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials with the sheriff’s office say 44-year-old John Gugino was arrested after the Sheriff’s Narcotics and Intelligence Unit received multiple tips.
Investigators say a search warrant was received for Gugino and his vehicle.
Gugino was stopped by a sheriff’s patrol vehicle near Milestrip Road and the I-90 exit ramp, in Hamburg, around 10:30 p.m. Saturday for vehicle and traffic violations, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to investigators, deputies found marijuana, a marijuana pipe and a felony amount of cocaine during the search.
Gugino has been charged with a felony count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor count of DWI, a violation for unlawful possession of marijuana and vehicle and traffic law violations.
Officials say Gugino, who is a deputy assigned to the Jail Management Division at the Erie County Holding Center, is suspended without pay.
According to the Erie County District Attorney's Office, Gugino was released on his own recognizance.
If convicted, Gugino faces a maximum of seven years in prison.
The investigation is ongoing.
