Man Sentenced on Charges Stemming from Search Warrant in Murder Case

COUDERSPORT – A Costello man has been sentenced for possession of drug paraphernalia after a search warrant conducted during an investigation of the Samuel Miller murder case turned up miscellaneous marijuana paraphernalia in his home.

Jesse J. Hooftallen, age 36, was sentenced to one year of probation and fined $1,000 in Judge Stephen Minor’s courtroom.

Hooftallen was charged as the result of a search warrant executed at his home on June 13, 2011. At the time, police were searching for the cell phone belonging to convicted murderer Avery Buckingham. While searching Hooftallen’s home, police discovered several empty marijuana bags, rolling papers, forceps, homemade bowls, tweezers and other miscellaneous marijuana-related items.

In addition to probation, Hooftallen was ordered to perform 25 hours of community service, pay supervision fees, reimburse the crime lab $113, and take part in a Victim Impact Panel Presentation.

Hooftallen was represented by Public Defender Brent Petrosky. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Andy Watson.