Deputies Find Veritable Cornucopia Of Drugs And Makeshift Weapons During Seatbelt Stop: Putnam Sheriff

TOWN OF PUTNAM VALLEY, NY — A traffic stop uncovered a shocking amount of contraband, according to authorities.

Putnam County Sheriff Brian Hess says that 42-year-old Jon D. Vena, of Bethel, was arrested on several drug and weapon charges after a traffic stop in the Town of Putnam Valley.

On March 7, around 6:15 p.m., members of the PCSO Conditions Unit saw a vehicle traveling along Bryant Pond Road with the driver not wearing a seatbelt. The deputies then stopped the vehicle in the area of Bryant Pond Road and Butterfly Lane.

During the stop and an investigation, deputies report seeing drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics inside the vehicle. Further investigation led to the recovery of fentanyl, alprazolam (Xanax), metal knuckles, and a sawed-off 20-gauge shotgun from inside the vehicle. Deputies also found several imitation air pistols that had been spray-painted black.

In addition, Vena was found to be driving the vehicle while his NYS driver's license was revoked.

He was charged with felony third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (narcotic drug with intent to sell); felony fourth-degree criminal possession of a narcotic drug; felony third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (previous conviction); felony criminal possession of a firearm; misdemeanor seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled susbstance; midemeanor second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; and several vehicle/traffic violations.

Vena was arraigned in the Town of Putnam Valley Court where he was remanded to the Putnam County Correctional Facility without bail due to previous felony convictions.