Underage drinking enforcement operation yields three arrests

Dutchess County, New York – On July 3, 2015, Members of the New York State Police Rhinebeck Barracks conducted an underage drinking enforcement operation in Dutchess County. Several stores were checked by utilizing a 20-year-old volunteer to purchase alcoholic beverages under the observation of plainclothes investigators supported by uniformed troopers. Three subjects sold an alcoholic beverage to the volunteer and were arrested. The following persons were charged during the operation:

Donnie L. Smith, age 32, of Highland, employed by Hess Express in Poughkeepsie

Carol Nuccio, age 59, of Poughkeepsie, employed by the Bourbon Street Wine and Liquor in Hyde Park

Harvir Bhangu, age 22, of Wappingers Falls, employed by Deerview Deli in Staatsburg

The defendants were charged with the misdemeanor of Unlawful Dealing with a Minor. They were issued appearance tickets to appear in local courts at a later date and released. In addition, their employers face possible civil penalties imposed by the State Liquor Authority.

The New York State Police routinely conducts underage drinking enforcement operations throughout the state in an effort to curb alcohol abuse and DWI incidents among teenagers.