Putnam Sheriff: Motorist Smoking Pot Had a Suspended License

Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports the arrest of a Dutchess County woman accused of driving with a suspended license and smoking marijuana as she did so.

At 2:34 p.m. Oct. 19, Deputy Sheriff William Quick stopped a motorist who had committed a traffic violation on Route 9 in the Town of Philipstown.

Police said the deputy detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the interior of the vehicle as he approached.

Police allege that the driver, identified as Brittany L. Besze, 24, of Rhinebeck, New York, was in possession of a quantity of marijuana and held a suspended license.

The deputy arrested Besze and charged her with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, a violation; and with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, a misdemeanor. She was processed at the scene and released in her own recognizance pending a Nov. 28 appearance in the Town of Philipstown Justice Court to answer the charges.

If found guilty of the misdemeanor charge, she could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.