NEW HARTFORD, NY — Seven people were arrested following an undercover compliance operation targeting illegal alcohol and tobacco sales to minors.
The New Hartford Police Department, working with the New York State Liquor Authority, conducted the enforcement operation on June 10, 2026, at bars, restaurants, convenience stores and smoke shops throughout the town.
Seven locations were found to be non-compliant with state laws regarding sales to underage individuals.
Police said the operation was conducted in response to ongoing concerns about age-verification practices and violations of state alcoholic beverage control laws.
The enforcement came during a time when underage drinking historically increases due to graduation celebrations, summer parties and the return of college students, according to police.
Matthew Larkin, 29, of New York Mills, employed at The Bunker on Clinton Street, was charged with three counts of unlawfully dealing with a child in the first degree and one count of selling alcohol to a minor.
Jermaine Williams, 22, of Utica, employed at 99 Restaurant on Clinton Street, faces the same charges.
Robin Sortino, 62, of New Hartford, employed at Prop’s Inn on Genesee Street, was charged with three counts of unlawfully dealing with a child in the first degree and one count of selling alcohol to a minor.
Kenneth Ruszkowski, 70, of New Hartford, employed at Valley Brook Lounge on Seneca Turnpike, faces identical charges.
Ivan Bao, 19, of Rome, was charged with unlawfully dealing with a child in the second degree following a tobacco sale at Smoke Depot on Commercial Drive.
Omar Osman, 22, of Utica, was charged with unlawfully dealing with a child in the first degree and selling alcohol to a minor following a sale at Mirabito convenience store on Oneida Street in Chadwicks.
James Hall, 34, of New Hartford, faces the same charges following a sale at a Mirabito convenience store on Seneca Turnpike.
Three businesses were found to be in compliance: One Dream on Seneca Turnpike, SK Smoke Shop on Kellogg Road and One Stop Shop on Commercial Drive.
