DEPUTIES MAKE FELONY DRUG ARREST DURING VEHICLE STOP
ON TACONIC STATE PARKWAY
Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that a large quantity of crack cocaine was seized after a traffic stop on the Taconic State Parkway in the Town of Claverack.
On November 6, 2017 at approximately 12:18am, Sheriff’s Deputies Zachary Sohotra and David Stevens stopped a vehicle for speeding on the Taconic State Parkway just north of State Route 23. During the stop, Deputies encountered a driver and two passengers in the vehicle, all from North Adams, Massachusetts. Upon initial interview, it was determined that the individuals were traveling from New York City and were in route back to the Massachusetts area.
During further investigation, Deputies located a small quantity of marihuana, heroin, and assorted drug paraphernalia. A further interview was conducted with the female passenger which later led to the discovery of a large quantity of crack cocaine that the female was carrying on her person. The total quantity of crack cocaine recovered was approximately 29 grams with an estimated street value of $2,300.
Catherine E. Terry, 26, of North Adams MA., was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class B Felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree and Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument (Both Class A Misdemeanors), and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana (Violation). The defendant was arraigned in Claverack Town Court before the Honorable Judge Brandon and remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond. She is scheduled to return to Claverack Town Court on November 9, 2017 at 9:00am.
The investigation is continuing and further charges are pending for Ms. Terry.
The male operator of the vehicle was issued traffic tickets for speeding and having an unregistered motor vehicle. A male passenger in the vehicle was issued an appearance ticket for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Both individuals will appear in Claverack Town Court at a later date.
Assisting with this investigation was the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement and Education Unit and the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.
