Published on August 12, 2026
TOMPKINS COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN ARREST FOLLOWING EXECUTION OF TWO SEARCH WARRANTS
On August 12, 2026, members of the Tompkins County Drug Task Force, consisting of members of the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Village of Cayuga Heights Police Department, Village of Groton Police Department, and City of Ithaca Police Department executed two search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale of narcotics.
The first search warrant was executed at 216 Cypress Court in the Town of Ithaca. During the search, investigators located drug paraphernalia and other contraband. No arrest has been made at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The second search warrant was executed at 624 Chestnut Street in the City of Ithaca. Omar J. Punter, age 43, of Ithaca, was detained for further investigation.
As a result of the search warrant at Chestnut Street, investigators located suspected cocaine, digital scales, packaging materials, and $1,440 in U.S. currency.
Punter was subsequently charged with:
· Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony
· Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the First Degree, a Class D felony
Punter was arraigned in CAP Court and remanded to the Tompkins County Jail without bail.
The investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.