SULLIVAN COUNTY — Members of the Monticello Police arrested James E. Slater, AKA “J Rock”, age 35, of Monticello on Monday, February 22. Slater was charged with the felony of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree, misdemeanors for reckless endangerment in the 2nd degree, resisting arrest, 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, unlawfully fleeing a police officer in the 3rd degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the 3rd degree and reckless driving. Slater was additionally issued 17 vehicle summons.

At 11:10 pm Monday Monticello Police Officers, Kenneth Conklin and Kyle Geraine, while on patrol observed Slater operating a 2001 Honda Accord in a northerly direction on Pleasant Street in the Village of Monticello. Slater was operating the vehicle without headlights being turned on. Officers attempted to stop Slater, but he refused to comply and drove onto to Route 17, heading westbound. Slater continued to drive the vehicle without its headlights on at speeds approaching 100 mph while on Route 17 with Monticello Police in pursuit. Slater drove 11 miles to Exit 101 in the Town of Liberty and, while attempting to exit at high speed, crashed the vehicle into a snowbank on Sullivan Avenue. Slater then attempted to flee on foot and briefly fought with officers before being brought to the ground and placed in custody. Slater was found to be in possession of 1 gram of crack cocaine and other drug paraphernalia upon his arrest.

Slater was arraigned in the Village of Monticello Justice Court before Associate Justice Leo Glass. Slater was remanded to the Sullivan County Jail without bail pending further court action. Monticello Police were assisted by the New York State Police, Sullivan County Sheriff's Office and The Village of Liberty Police.

The filing of an accusatory instrument is merely an accusation and every person who is arrested is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.