An Erie County Sheriff's Jail deputy has been arrested on drug-related charges following a three-week investigation by the Sheriff's Office.
The probe of John Gugino, 44, of Hamburg began based on multiple anonymous tips, and resulted in search warrants for the suspect and his vehicle.
Late in the evening on Saturday, Gugino was arrested after a traffic stop on Milestrip Road at the New York State Thruway exit ramp in Hamburg. Authorities say a search of his vehicle turned up marijuana, a marijuana pipe and a felony amount of cocaine.
He was charged with a felony count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor count of DWI-Drugs, a violation for unlawful possession of marijuana, plus vehicle and traffic law violations.
Gugino has been suspenced without pay and the investigation continues. He is due back in court on Dec. 3. If convicted of all charges, he faces a maximum of seven years in prison.
