Clarkstown Cops Nab Suspected Marijuana Farmer

The Clarkstown Police Department arrested the man suspected of running a major marijuana grow house in Valley Cottage.

On Sept. 29, Clarkstown police, with the assistance of the New York State Police, had executed a search warrant at 8 Thomas Court in Valley Cottage and had obtained information through the investigation as to the identity of the suspect. At the time of the search warrant being executed, approximately 75 lbs. of marijuana with a street value of over $250,000 was recovered as well as 5 handguns, a small amount of cocaine and more than $40,000 in cash. The house was unoccupied.

SEE: Clarkstown Cops Raid Rockland Marijuana Farm

At 1:30 AM Oct. 8, police arrested Joseph Pisana, 39, of Douglaston, NY, after a car stop was conducted by patrol units on routine patrol in the area of Thomas Court in Valley Cottage.

It appears that Pisana was attempting to return to the house that was raided by the department last week, police said.

Also arrested at the scene was Pisana’s girlfriend, Lori Pirrone, 38, of Douglaston, NY. She was arrested for harboring a fugitive from justice as well as obstructing with the investigation. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident and transported to police headquarters for processing.

Pisana was charged with criminal possession of marijuana 1st (felony), criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th (felony), criminal possession of a weapon 3rd (felony), criminal possession of a weapon 2nd (felony), 5 counts of criminal possession of a firearm (felony), criminal possession of a weapon 4th (misdemeanor) and false personation (misdemeanor).

Pirrone was charged with hindering prosecution 2nd (felony) and obstructing governmental administration 2nd (misdemeanor).

The suspects will be arraigned later today in the Clarkstown Justice Court.