NORWICH – Felony charges against a man arrested in last week’s drug bust and murder plot investigation were dismissed in City Court Friday.

Chester Black Jr., 19, Elmira, was charged with third degree criminal mischief for allegedly prying a pebble-sized chip of concrete from a cell block at the Norwich Police Department and scratching the letters “B-L-A” in a metal cell door.

“As far as showing this court that there was reasonable cause to the felony charge of third degree criminal mischief, this court is not satisfied and dismisses the felony charge without prejudice,” said Acting City Court Judge Maureen Byrne.

Black was arrested following an investigation into local drug activity. During that investigation, police also arrested Mathew C. Smith, 27, of the Elmira and Norwich areas, and Robert W. Gallo Jr., 25, of 22 Sheldon St., Norwich, and charged them with second degree conspiracy, for allegedly planning to kill two Norwich City Police officers.