Highway Traffic Stop Leads To Cocaine Bust: State Police

NEW PALTZ, NY — A routine traffic stop in New Paltz led to the seizure of more than 260 grams of cocaine, state police said.

On May 28 around 6:08 p.m., state police pulled over a 2013 Volvo traveling northbound on the New York State Thruway in New Paltz due to traffic violations, police said.

During the stop, police interviewed the driver, Jorge L. Leyva, 36, of the Bronx, New York, and front seat passenger, Alexandra M. Rocheleau, 35, of Richmond, Vermont.

Police said they found the cocaine on Rocheleau, along with a separate bag containing cocaine residue inside the vehicle.

Leyva was charged with first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Police said he also faces additional vehicle and traffic violations.

Rocheleau is accused of first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and facilitating third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Both were arraigned May 29 in New Paltz Town Court, then remanded to the Ulster County Jail without bail, police said.