June 11, 2026 - Criminal Possession of a Weapon Arrest

On June 11, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m., members of the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office developed information indicating that 42-year-old James Vanzile of Ithaca, New York, was a passenger in a black Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound in the 300 block of Elmira Road in the City of Ithaca. Vanzile was known to have an active arrest warrant issued by the Town of Lansing Court for Petit Larceny and Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree.

Deputies subsequently observed a black 2018 Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound in the 300 block of Elmira Road and conducted a traffic stop. Vanzile was located inside the vehicle and taken into custody on the outstanding warrant.

During the stop, deputies also identified 25-year-old Jessica Anderson of Ithaca, New York, as an occupant of the vehicle. Anderson was found to have an active arrest warrant issued by the Town of Lansing Court for Petit Larceny and was taken into custody without incident.

Both individuals were transported to the Tompkins County Public Safety Building for processing.

During routine prisoner property inventories, deputies discovered that Anderson was in possession of crack cocaine. 

Deputies also determined that Vanzile was in possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and two modified screwdrivers that had been altered from their original purpose and were possessed as dangerous instruments intended for unlawful use against another person. Further investigation revealed that Vanzile was in the presence of a female protected by a full stay-away Order of Protection issued against him.

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

Anderson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree.

Following processing, Anderson was taken to the Tompkins County Jail to await centralized arraignment on both her new charge and outstanding warrant.

Vanzile was also taken to the Tompkins County Jail to await centralized arraignment on his new charges and outstanding warrant.