19 Arrested in Fulton County Crackdown

Sheriff's office handled 190 incidents over one-week period in February

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:53am

An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of metal handcuffs against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A crackdown on crime in Fulton County leads to a wave of arrests, exposing the diverse public safety challenges facing this rural region.Johnstown Today

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office made 19 arrests and responded to 190 incidents between February 9 and February 15. The charges ranged from felony strangulation and drug possession to misdemeanor traffic violations and petty theft.

Why it matters

This crackdown highlights the ongoing public safety challenges in Fulton County, a rural area that has seen rising crime rates in recent years. The variety of offenses, from violent crimes to quality-of-life issues, reflects the diverse set of problems law enforcement must address in the region.

The details

The arrests included Steven O. Gardner, 40, charged with felony strangulation; Theodore B. Miller, 52, charged with driving with a suspended registration; and Joshua W. Preston, 41, charged with two counts of felony drug possession with intent to sell. Other charges ranged from aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle to petit larceny.

  • The incidents occurred between February 9 and February 15, 2026.

The players

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for policing Fulton County, New York.

Steven O. Gardner

A 40-year-old man charged with felony strangulation in the second degree.

Theodore B. Miller

A 52-year-old man charged with operating a motor vehicle while his registration was suspended.

Joshua W. Preston

A 41-year-old man charged with two counts of felony criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

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The takeaway

This crackdown underscores the ongoing public safety challenges in Fulton County, where law enforcement must address a wide range of criminal activity, from violent felonies to quality-of-life offenses. The variety of charges reflects the diverse set of problems the sheriff's office must confront in this rural region.