Grocery store manager in Erie County accused of selling drugs while working

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A grocery store manager in North Collins was arrested Wednesday and accused of selling drugs while she was working, the Erie County Sheriff's Office announced.

Deputies said 35-year-old Ashley Bertino of Silver Creek was taken into custody following a long-term investigation into illegal narcotic sales at a grocery store on Main Street in North Collins.

It is alleged that investigators made drug purchases from Bertino while she was working as a manager, which prompted an arrest warrant, according to deputies.

Deputies executed the warrant at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday at the grocery store, and Bertino was allegedly found to be in possession of a glass smoking device with suspected narcotics residue, five small bags of suspected methamphetamines, one small bag with suspected hydrocodone pills and a dollar bill with suspected narcotics residue, deputies said.

In all, Bertino was charged with:

• One count of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance
• One count of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance
• Two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

Bertino was taken to the Erie County holding center to be held pending arraignment.

Additionally, the store confirmed that Bertino was fired.