Watertown, NY – On March 18, 2024, a collaborative law enforcement effort led to the arrest of two individuals following a drug investigation in the city of Watertown. The operation was part of the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, overseen by the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services, which provides resources and strategies to combat violent crime.
During the operation, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a vehicle stop at 905 State St for an improper turn signal. The driver, identified as Patrick Michael Booth, and the passenger, Terry Jude Rivers, were questioned during the stop. The investigation led to the discovery of narcotics inside the vehicle, prompting Booth to flee the scene into 905 State St, where he barricaded himself in the basement. After a brief negotiation, law enforcement successfully took Booth into custody without further incident.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed:
- 6 ounces of cocaine
- 2 ounces of methamphetamine
- 1,300 bags of fentanyl
- Additional drugs pending lab results
- A loaded 9mm handgun
- A set of dagger swords
- $7,431.36 in cash
- A set of scales
Charges and Legal Proceedings
As a result of the investigation, both Booth and Rivers face multiple felony charges:
Patrick Michael Booth, 44, of Brownville, NY
- Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree (Class A Felony)
- Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B Felony)
- Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (Class C Felony)
- Two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (Class D Felony)
- Obstructing governmental administration in the second degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Terry Jude Rivers, 45, of Watertown, NY
- Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree (Class A Felony)
- Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B Felony)
- Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (Class C Felony)
- Two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (Class D Felony)
Both suspects are currently being held without bail at the Jefferson County Correction Facility.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
The successful operation was carried out by the Watertown Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Metro Jefferson Drug Task Force, and the New York State Police. K-9 Lafferty of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office played a crucial role in the drug investigation and apprehension efforts.
The GIVE initiative continues to support multi-agency operations aimed at reducing violent crime and removing dangerous drugs and weapons from the community. Further updates on the case will follow as legal proceedings continue.