Questioned about Dried Mushrooms: Man Tells Police 'What Do You Want Me to Say? I'm a Chef'

MIDDLETOWN, RI—Nash C. Brunelle, 42, of Portsmouth, was arrested on Feb. 13 at 12:12 a.m. after a patrol officer stopped his car near the corner of High Street and Elmwood Avenue.

According to the arrest report, the officer started to observe him on the Boulevard, as he approached Miantanomi Avenue where police allege he was speeding and failed to come to a complete stop at the traffic sign there and again at the sign on High Street and Paul Avenue.

When the officer approached the car, he smelled marijuana, police allege. Brunelle explained he has a medical marijuana card but did not have it with him. During a search, police allege they also found medication prescribed for another person and mushrooms, which police classified as other hallucinogens.

He was charged with misdemeanor Driving under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs, his second offense. He was also charged with two felony counts of drug possession (Schedule I, II, III, IV and V) and with a violation for marijuana possession, less than one ounce.

Police also cited him for speeding (one to 10 mph over the posted limit), his first offense, and for obedience to stop signs.