Monthlong Joint Probe Into Drug Trafficking Led To Arrest At Sleepy Hollow Home: WCPD

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY — Police say a probe into drug trafficking in Westchester County led to a sting at a home in Sleepy Hollow.

After a monthlong joint investigation into drug trafficking, the Sleepy Hollow Police Department and the Westchester County Police Department Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant on Thursday, on an address in Sleepy Hollow. Inside an apartment on Beekman Avenue, police report finding 73 grams of cocaine, a loaded handgun, and $5,500 in cash.

Police say that 46-year-old Luis Lopez, of Sleepy Hollow, was arrested and charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (possession with intent to sell); one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance; one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance; and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

In addition, 42-year-old Fernando Ledesma, of Sleepy Hollow, was arrested and charged with criminal possession of controlled substance after he was found to be in possession of cocaine, according to cops. He had come to Sleepy Hollow Village Court to see Lopez, and the cocaine was discovered during a security screening, Sleepy Hollow police said.

Both Lopez and Ledesma were arraigned in Sleepy Hollow Village Court. Lopez was remanded to the Westchester County Jail and Ledesma was released. The case against Lopez is being prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.

Sleepy Hollow Mayor Martin Rutyna praised the work of the Sleepy Hollow and Westchester County Police Departments saying, "This carefully executed and coordinated action sends a clear message that illicit drug sales and criminal conduct will not be tolerated in the Village of Sleepy Hollow."