New York Democrat Charged With DUI, Cocaine Possession

Rep. Elise Stefanik calls for Tony Arquiett to resign following arrest

Patrick Hauf • December 7, 2021 2:30 pm

Police arrested a New York Democrat for intoxicated driving and possession of cocaine after he crashed his car into another vehicle over the weekend.

Tony Arquiett, a St. Lawrence County legislator, was also charged with failure to keep right while driving following Saturday’s crash. Arquiett, 56, will remain in office while his case is pending.

“Mr. Arquiett fully intends to address any issues raised as a consequence of this arrest and plans to continue serving the members of his community while this case proceeds through the criminal justice system,” Arquiett’s lawyer said.

Arquiett is the latest New York Democrat to be arrested on cocaine charges this year. A Clinton County legislator resigned in September after facing a series of criminal charges, one of which was cocaine possession. Tim Currier resigned as mayor of Massena in January, a month after he was charged with cocaine possession, tampering with evidence, and failure to comply with an officer.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R., N.Y.) on Tuesday called for Arquiett to resign.

“The silence of all North Country Democrats is deafening, and I urge Democrats to demand Arquiett’s resignation now and make clear that drugs have no place in our community, especially among our elected leaders,” Stefanik said.