NORWICH – Norwich woman – who claimed sobriety in The Daily Star but was allegedly selling narcotics – was arraigned, and a convicted burglar was sent to prison after violating probation by using drugs and alcohol.
• Anastasia D. Hallenbeck, 25, Norwich, was indicted on Jan. 21 for charges in two separate cases.
In the first case, Hallenbeck was indicted on two counts of criminal sale of controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony.
It is alleged on or about Dec. 2, 2014 on Front Street in City of Norwich and on or about Dec. 4, 2014 at a Brown Street residence, Hallenbeck did knowingly and unlawfully sell the narcotic drug heroin.
In the second case, Hallenbeck was indicted on criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a class A misdemeanor.
It is alleged on or about Sept. 1, 2014 at approximately 4:34 p.m. on Rexford Street in the City of Norwich, Hallenbeck did knowingly and unlawfully possess seven individually wrapped corner wraps of the narcotic drug cocaine with the intent to sell.
Hallenbeck was on the front page of the Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 2014 Weekend edition of The Daily Star claiming to be sober and struggling with heroin addiction. She also said in the article that Norwich has a heroin epidemic and it is difficult to get sober because of it.
A month later, on Dec. 16, 2014, the Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested Hallenbeck for selling heroin. Authorities said, “It is alleged that Hallenbeck sold heroin on multiple occasions within the City of Norwich.”
Hallenbeck was arraigned on Feb. 2 in Chenango County Court for all counts in the two separate indictments.
She pleaded not guilty to all counts in each separate indictment.
First Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Ferrarese said Hallenbeck allegedly sold narcotic drugs on two separate dates and was on probation at the time.
“She faces a substantial amount of prison time. She was not only possessing with intent to sell but actually selling in the area,” said Ferrarese.
