Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports the arrest of a Carmel man on drug charges.

On April 8, 2016 at 11:59 p.m., Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Irwin observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of Putnam Plaza in Carmel. Upon approach, the deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the interior of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the deputy determined that the occupant of the vehicle, identified as Peter Cerino, 41, of 21 Center Road, Carmel was in possession of marijuana and controlled substances. The deputy arrested Mr. Cerino and charged him with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, a violation; and with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, a misdemeanor. The defendant was processed at the Putnam County Correctional Facility and released pending a future appearance in the Town of Carmel Justice Court to answer the charges.

If found guilty of the misdemeanor charges, the defendant could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00 for each charge.