August 26, 2025 - GIVE Detail Narcotics Arrest

Published on August 26, 2025

On August 26, 2025, at approximately 7:20 PM, members of the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office, Ithaca Police Department, and New York State Police were conducting a joint Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) detail when an Ithaca Police Investigator observed a suspected drug transaction in the 200 block of Conifer Circle.

A vehicle pulled into a parking spot where the driver engaged in a hand-to-hand drug sale with another individual. Sheriff’s Deputies subsequently stopped both parties involved.

The driver was identified as Heath Phillips, age 34, of Freeville, NY.
The buyer was identified as William Ellison, age 42, of Ithaca, NY.

During the investigation, deputies recovered a large quantity of U.S. currency from Phillips. Ellison was found in possession of approximately 7 grams of cocaine and 38 grams of methamphetamine.

As a result of the investigation, Phillips was charged with:

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree (Class A-II Felony)
Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class B Felony)

Ellison was charged with:

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance Third Degree (Class B Felony) 2 counts
Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor)

Both Phillips and Ellison were transported to the Tompkins County Jail and were held for Centralized Arraignment this morning, during which both were remanded without bail.

This investigation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts through the GIVE initiative, which brings together multiple agencies to reduce gun violence and narcotics-related crimes in the community.