State Police arrest Rhode Island man for felony drug possession in Saratoga Springs

On July 25, 2025, State Police of Saratoga arrested John J. Othote, 54 of Charlestown, RI for:

• Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the second degree, a class “A” felony
• Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a class “B” felony
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fifth degree, a class “D” felony
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree, a class “A” misdemeanor
• Two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree, a class “A” misdemeanor
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class “A” misdemeanor
• Unlawful Possession of Cannabis

On July 25, 2025, at about 5:34 p.m. Troopers observed a man slumped over in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in the area of Ballston Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY. Troopers approached the vehicle to conduct a welfare check of the individual later identified as Othote. While speaking with Othote Troopers observed controlled substances in the vehicle in plain view and a child under the age of 17 in the back seat of the vehicle. Further investigation discovered additional felony weight-controlled substances, an unlawful quantity of Cannabis, and drug paraphernalia. The drugs seized were field tested and identified as Cocaine, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

Othote was arrested and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. He was then arraigned at the Malta Town Court where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility.