CHESTER — Police in the town of Chester have charged a Goshen man twice this month with drug and driving offenses, including possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended license.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, just after 1:30 a.m., Officers N. Contino and J. Calderone responded to check on the welfare of a driver reportedly slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle stopped in the roadway at Kings Highway and Laroe Road.
Police located a gray two-door sedan with a man in the driver’s seat who appeared disoriented.
Further investigation determined the driver was allegedly intoxicated and operating with a suspended license.
Authorities found approximately 6.5 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle, stored in more than 30 mason jars, vacuum-sealed bags, and resealable plastic bags.
The car also contained THC oil, THC gummies, a scale, and over $1,800 in cash inside a backpack.
The 38-year-old man was charged with second-degree criminal possession of cannabis, second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, driving with a blood alcohol content greater than .08%, driving while intoxicated, and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Since these charges are not bail-eligible under New York law, no arraignment was conducted, and the man was released with an appearance ticket for a Feb. 11 court hearing.
He failed to appear for his arraignment.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, at about 1 a.m., Officer Contino was patrolling State Route 17M when he stopped a gray two-door sedan traveling northbound with an inoperable headlight.
Police identified the driver as the same 38-year-old man from Goshen.
Officials determined his license was still suspended and found 10 mason jars containing marijuana in plain view in the rear of the vehicle along with over $1,000 in cash.
He was charged with third-degree criminal possession of cannabis and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
He was issued another appearance ticket for a March 11 court date.
