Albany man accused of possessing illegal weapon, drugs

Hyron J. Celestine, 20, was arrested by Albany County Sheriff’s deputies for allegedly possessing an illegal firearm and several illegal narcotics.

Celestine was placed in custody and was found to be in possession of a loaded Smith and Wesson M&P .38 handgun with a defaced serial number, which was stolen from the city of Gloversville, said Sheriff Craig Apple.

At around 9:08 a.m. Saturday, deputies were in the area of Central Avenue and Lexington Avenue when they observed a male believed to be in possession of an illegal weapon, based on prior information they received.

Apple said the 20-year-old also had a quantity of multiple illegal narcotics, including crack cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and Xanax, which deputies believe they were intended to be sold based on their packaging and quantity.

Sheriff’s say that Celestine currently has an open case regarding a previous firearms charge out of Colonie.

Celestine was charged with the following:

• One count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon (class C felony)
• Two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (class D felony)
• One count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a stolen property (class E felony)
• Two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (class B felony)
• Five counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (class A misdemeanor)
• One count of second-degree obstructing governmental administration (class A misdemeanor)

Celestine was scheduled to be arraigned in Albany City Court on Sunday.