911 DISPATCHER ACCUSED OF TIPPING OFF DRUG SUSPECTS

SENECA FALLS - A former Seneca County 911 dispatcher was arrested for
revealing confidential police information regarding a search warrant
for drugs and arrest of a suspect.

Seneca County Sheriff's deputies arrested Michelle S. Eaton, 40, of
155 West Bayard St., Apt. 69, Seneca Falls Tuesday on charges of
official misconduct and second-degree obstruction governmental
administration. The culmination of a lengthy investigation by the
sheriff's office and Seneca County District Attorney resulted in
Eaton's arrest at about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday at her home. Police said
Eaton allegedly revealed confidential police information to a Sean
D'Erdita regarding a search warrant conducted by the sheriff's office
on Oct. 14. for drugs and the arrest of Samual R. Bassile, 20, 2699
Kingdom Road, Seneca Falls.

Police said Bassile was warned prior to the raid on his residence and
was apprehended attempting to dispose of evidence -- cocaine and
marijuana. Eaton was working as a 911 dispatcher at the time of the
incident and had relayed the confidential information of the pending
search warrant and arrest in an attempt to prevent apprehension of
acquaintances involved in the illegal trafficking and use of
controlled substances, according to police.

Casey J. Benjamin, 21, 14 Peterman Road and D'Erdita, 23, of Lower
Lake Road, both of Seneca Falls, were also arrested Jan. 31 on
charges of second-degree hindering prosecution.

Eaton, Benjamin and D'Erdita were all taken to the Seneca County
Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 secured bond.

Eaton was suspended from duty as a result of the ongoing
investigation and subsequently terminated from employment on March
30, police said.

"It is unfortunate when a trusted member of public service violates
that trust and commits such an act," Sheriff Leo T. Connolly wrote in
a press release. "As sheriff, I ensure that this, and other internal
investigations initiated by the Office of Sheriff will be vigorously
investigated and misconduct and criminal acts will be dealt with severely."