Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports the arrest of a Dutchess County woman on a charge of unlicensed operation.

On October 19, 2016 at 2:34 p.m., Deputy Sheriff William Quick stopped a motorist who had committed a traffic violation on Route 9 in the Town of Philipstown.

Upon approach, the deputy detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the interior of the vehicle. The deputy determined that the driver, identified as Brittany L. Besze, 24, of 63 Scout Road, Rhinebeck, New York was in possession of a quantity of marijuana and held a suspended license. The deputy arrested Ms. 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. The defendant was processed at the scene and released in her own recognizance pending a November 28, 2016 appearance in the Town of Philipstown Justice Court to answer the charges.

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