Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports the arrest of two Patterson men on drug charges.

On October 29, 2016 at approximately 6:30 p.m., members of the Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU) were operating in the Town of Patterson when they observed several equipment violations on a vehicle that was travelling on Fox Run Lane. The deputies initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle. Upon interview of the driver and passenger of the vehicle, the deputies observed several hypodermic needles in plain view on the floor of the vehicle. Both subjects were detained and were found to be in possession of 67 baggies of heroin and two dozen hypodermic needles.

Michael Gomes, 27, of Fox Run Lane was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a misdemeanor. He was arraigned before the Honorable Anthony Mole’ of the Town of Patterson Justice Court and committed to the Putnam County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,500.00 cash bail.

Jared Dimaio, 30, of Fox Run Lane was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a felony; Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a misdemeanor; Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument, a misdemeanor; and several vehicle and traffic violations. He was also arraigned before Judge Mole’ and committed to the PCCF in lieu of $5,000.00 cash bail. Both subjects have multiple prior arrests.

If found guilty of the misdemeanor charge, Mr. Gomes could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00. If found guilty of the felony charge, Mr. Dimaio could face up to 25 years in a New York State Correctional Facility and a fine of up to $30,000.00.