Troop K
April 23, 2025

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrests on Taconic State Parkway

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Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrests on Taconic State Parkway

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Press Release

CSU stop april

On April 22, 2025, members of the Troop K Community Stabilization Unit (CSU) conducted a traffic stop on a 1995 BMW 318TI traveling northbound on the Taconic State Parkway in the town of Clinton due to multiple vehicle and traffic law violations.

During the stop, CSU members interviewed the driver, identified as Joseph W. Richards, 35, of Lake Luzerne, NY, and the passenger, Christopher L. Bracero Mendez, 27, of Saratoga Springs, NY.

An exterior sniff of the vehicle was conducted with assistance from a Dutchess County Drug Task Force officer and K-9 Denver, which resulted in a positive alert for the presence of illegal narcotics.

Based on probable cause, CSU officers conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered a used crack pipe and a small baggie containing cocaine. Additionally, Bracero Mendez was found to be in possession of a plastic baggie containing a large quantity of cocaine was located secreted in his right shoe. 

Total evidence seized during the traffic stop was 115 grams of cocaine and one crack pipe. 

Both individuals were transported to SP Poughkeepsie for processing.

Charges:

  • Joseph W. Richards was charged with:
    • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree (Class A misdemeanor)
    • Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs with Two Prior Convictions within 10 Years (Class D felony)
    • Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 2nd Degree (Class E felony)
    • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree (Class D felony)
  • Christopher L. Bracero Mendez was charged with:
    • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree (Class A misdemeanor)
    • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree (Class D felony)
    • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (Class B felony)
    • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd Degree (Class A-II felony)
    • Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree (Class A misdemeanor)

Both Richards and Bracero Mendez were remanded to Dutchess County Jail.