Store clerks arrested in undercover sting for selling alcohol to minor

ALBANY COUNTY -- Seven people were arrested during an undercover alcohol sales sting operation across the county Friday evening, the Albany County Sheriff's Office has announced.

Police sent a 19-year-old agent undercover into 45 stores in Albany County, including the towns of Berne, Knox, Guilderland, Bethlehem, Coeymans, New Scotland and in the villages of Altamont and Ravena. 

Seven of the stores allowed sold alcohol to the underage agent, said the Sheriff's Office. The following store clerks were arrested and charged with misdemeanor prohibited sale of alcohol and misdemeanor unlawfully dealing with a child:

- Karen Patnode, 44, at Knox Country Store 
- Diane Belott, 39, at Stewart's on Altamond Blvd. in Berne
- Keith Cunningham, 19, at Price Chopper
- Barry Slaton, 62, at Delmar Mobil
- Brian Cassidy, 23, at Delmar Beverage
- Emily DePaula, 19, at Stewart's on Route 9W in Selkirk 
- Katie Myers, 18, at Ravena Shop 'n Save

Each was issued appearance tickets.