Troopers on patrol at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, conducted a traffic stop of a 2016 Subaru Impreza on Wigsten Road in Pleasant Valley, when the motorist was spotted committing a violation of vehicle and traffic laws.
During the subsequent stop, troopers reported that there was a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, which led to further investigation of the vehicle and its occupants.
The investigation found that three occupants of the vehicle, Sharon residents - in Litchfield County, near the Fairfield County border - Clifford Akins, 59, Janet Kurland, 39, and Rebecca Gonzalez, 35, were in possession of approximately five grams of crack-cocaine, which was “hidden in several places,” drug paraphernalia and a small amount of marijuana.
Each of the three was arrested at the scene and charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Kurland was additionally charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and Akins was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.
Akins was arraigned in the Town of Pleasant Valley Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail without bail. Kurland and Gonzalez were released on their own recognizance and issued appearance tickets to return to Pleasant Valley Court on July 24.
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