July 9, 2025

Two arrested on Felony Weapon Charges Following Traffic Stop in Columbia County

Press Release

VGNET7.7
On July 7, 2025, at approximately 3:15 p.m., members of the New York State Police Troop K Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET) received credible information indicating that Brandon P. Anderson-Maldonado, 22, of Nassau, NY, was the subject of an active warrant issued by Albany County.

In coordination with the Troop K Community Stabilization Unit (CSU), New York State Police Aviation Unit, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, members conducted a traffic stop on a Volvo traveling on U.S. Route 9 in the village of Valatie.

During the stop, State Police K9 Vinn, positively alerted to the presence of narcotics. Based on the alert, investigators conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle, which resulted in the recovery of a loaded Taurus GX2 semi-automatic pistol belonging to Anderson-Maldonado.

Additional firearms were also located within the vehicle, including a Taurus TCP .380 semi-automatic pistol with ammunition and a Zoraki M807 semi-automatic starter pistol. These items were determined to be in the possession of Jason M. Battaglia, 22, of Clifton Park, NY.

Both Anderson-Maldonado and Battaglia were taken into custody and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.

The defendants were arraigned in the Town of Kinderhook Court and remanded to the Columbia County Jail. Bail for Battaglia was set at $50,000 cash, a $75,000 partially secured bond, or a $100,000 fully secured bond. Bail for Anderson-Maldonado was set as $50,000 cash, a $75,000 partially secured bond, or a $200,000 fully secured bond.

If you have any information regarding illegal firearms or suspicious activity, please contact New York State Police – Troop K at  (845) 677-7300. All calls can be kept confidential.