2 Brewster Stores Sold Beer to a Minor: State Police

New York State Police and State Liquor Authority personnel conducted an underage drinking enforcement operation in eastern and central Putnam County Jan. 22.

In all, 22 stores were checked, using a 19-year old volunteer to purchase beer under the observation of plainclothes investigators supported by uniformed troopers.

While 17 store clerks refused to complete the sale, 5 sold beer to the volunteer. They were arrested. Charged during the operation:

1. Mayra Venegas-Roque, 33, of Brewster, employed at Mobil Gas Station, 978 Route 22, Brewster.

2. Gregorio Galindo-Baizan, 37, of Brewster, employed at La Guadalupana Deli, 70 Main Street, Brewster.

3. Sambhu P. Gurung, 38, of Carmel, employed at BP Gas Station, 89 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel.

4. Jospeh Padamadan, 51, of Carmel, employed at Shell Gas Station, 966 Route 6, Mahopac.

5. Ishfaq Ahmed, 54, of Bronx, employed at Gulf Gas Station, 634 Route 6, Mahopac.


The five were charged with the misdemeanors of Unlawfully Dealing With a Child 1st Degree and Prohibited Sale of Alcohol. They were issued appearance tickets to appear in local courts at a later date and released. In addition, their employers face possible civil penalties imposed by the State Liquor Authority.

The New York State Police, with investigative support provided by the New York State Liquor Authority, routinely conducts underage drinking enforcement operations throughout the state in an effort to curb alcohol abuse and DWI incidents among teenagers.