Albany cop charged in drug investigation linked to Greene County
Published on:
January 25, 2026
Photo contributed.
Article by:
GREENE COUNTY―An eight-month investigation by State Police has led to felony drug charges against two individuals, including a City of Albany cop.
On Friday, January 23, investigators executed multiple search warrants at locations in Rensselaer and Greene counties.
State Police did not disclose where in Greene County the search warrants were executed.
As a result of the searches, troopers said they seized drug paraphernalia, including packaging materials and scales, United States currency, and approximately five ounces of cocaine.
The investigation was conducted by members of the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit in Binghamton, with assistance from uniform and investigative members, and in coordination with the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.
As a result of the investigation, Nathan M. Ensel, 45, of Rensselaer, an Albany Police officer, and Leocadio J. Espinal, 46, of Astoria, were arrested and charged with:
- Second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic with an aggregate weight exceeding four ounces, an A II felony;
- Third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic with intent to sell, a B felony; and
- Two counts of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, an A misdemeanor.
Ensel and Espinal were arraigned in Rensselaer City Court and remanded to the Rensselaer County Jail.
The investigation remains ongoing, State Police said.
