On October 27, 2022, the Watervliet Police Department, with assistance from the Colonie Police Department’s Special Services Team and the New York State Police, executed a search warrant at 2418 3^rd Ave. after a month-long investigation regarding the sale of narcotics.

During the search, officers determined the home was grossly unsanitary and inhabitable. As a result, the house was condemned by the Office of the General Manager and the City of Watervliet Code Enforcement. In addition, two children were removed to the custody of the Office of Children and Family Services.

Watervliet Police charged Joshua Prew, a 37-year-old male from Watervliet (photo attached) with three counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3^rd Degree (Class B Felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7^th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) and four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor).  Prew was arraigned in

Watervliet City Court and released to the supervision of probation with electronic monitoring. Within hours of his release, Prew and three other individuals were all arrested for unlawfully re-entering the residence and possessing narcotics.

Prew was charged with Criminal Trespass in the 2^nd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7^th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor).  Prew was released on an appearance ticket.

A Summary of Prew’s Criminal History Since November 2021  

1.       In November 2021, Waterford Police charged Prew with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5^th Degree (Class D Felony) andCriminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4^th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), along with several other vehicle and traffic law offenses.  Prew was released on an appearance ticket.

2.       On January 21, 2022, Watervliet Police charged Prew with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7^th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor).  Prew was released on an appearance ticket.  
3.       On February 13, 2022, Cohoes Police charged Prew with Grand Larceny in the 4^th Degree (Class E Felony).  Prew was released on an appearance ticket.

4.       On April 3, 2022, Watervliet Police charged Prew with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3^rd Degree (Class B Felony) and several other vehicle and traffic law offenses. 
Prew was arraigned in Watervliet City Court and release on his own recognizance.

5.       On June 8, 2022, Watervliet Police charged Prew with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5^th Degree (Class E Felony).  Prew was released on an appearance ticket.  

6.       On September 20, 2022, Watervliet Police charged Prew with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3^rd Degree (Class B Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4^th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia (Class A Misdemeanor) and Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor).  Prew was arraigned in Watervliet City Court and released on his own recognizance.

In summary, Prew has been arrested seven times since November 2021. He has been charged with nine felonies and nine misdemeanors. Due to New York’s bail reform laws, these felonies are not bail eligible and judges cannot consider the obvious danger this defendant poses to the community. Therefore, Prew remains free pending trial.