FELONY ARREST IN THE TOWN OF AVON

AVON- Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrests of four Steuben County residents on felony and misdemeanor charges following an investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.

On May 14^th 2026, Investigator Shawn Whitford conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 390 in the Town of Avon, for a violation of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic law. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Morgan Ayers, age 34, and her passengers were identified as Joaquin Irizarry, age 57, Angellica Clark, age 30, and David O’Brien Jr, age 34, all of whom are from Hornell, NY.

During the course of the traffic stop a quantity of crack cocaine was located and seized from inside the vehicle. The occupants of the motor vehicle were interviewed roadside and placed under arrest for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  

Ayers was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.  

Irizarry was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor. 

Clark was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class D felony, and Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

O’Brien was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Ayers, Clark, and Irizarry were transported and turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing and pre-arraignment detention. Ayers, Clark, and Irizarry were later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) at the Livingston County Jail before Town of West Sparta Justice Mahany.  The Judge did release Ayers and Clark on their own recognizance as the charges do not qualify for bail under the NYS Bail Reform Act. The Judge did remand Irizarry to the Custody of the Sheriff on no bail due to two prior felony convictions. O’Brien was issued an appearance ticket and released as the charge does not qualify for bail under the NYS Bail Reform Act.  

The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office was present and represented the defendants at their court arraignment for their defenses.  The Livingston County District Attorney’s Office also appeared to represent the People.

Assisting with the investigation for the Sheriff's Office was Deputy Jerry Pilkenton, Deputy VanCuran, Deputy Strobel, Ofc. Harris of Avon Police Department, and Ofc. Telban of the New York State Park Police.