Connecticut Resident Faces Gun, Drug Charges in Southeast

SOUTHEAST, NY — A Mansfield, Connecticut resident who was arrested in New York is charged with illegal gun and drug possession.

Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr. reported the Oct. 30 arrest on Nov. 19.

At about 2:40 a.m. Oct. 30, Deputy Shane Rossiter observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on westbound I-84 in Southeast. Police said Rossiter discovered that the driver, Benjamin Hartley, 33, was in possession of concentrated cannabis, marijuana, and a handgun (for which he does not have a pistol permit).

Hartley was placed under arrest and transported to the Putnam County Correctional Facility for processing. He was charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E Felony),
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Unlawful Possession of Marijuana (Violation)

Hartley was arraigned in the Town of Kent Justice Court, on behalf of the Town of Southeast Justice Court. He was sent to the Putnam County Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash-bail/ $40,000 bail-bond, which he later posted. He has a future court date scheduled.

PHOTO: Benjamin Hartley/ Putnam County Sheriff's Office

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