Three people are facing charges after a traffic stop on Rt. 33 in the Town of Bergen on April 11, 2021.
At 12:38am, while on patrol, Deputy Chamoun conducted a traffic stop on a grey Chevy Malibu. The operator, Paula G. Pierce, 29, of State St., Batavia, was allegedly operating the vehicle with a suspended NYS driver’s license. The vehicle was also occupied by two passengers, Michael R. Whitman, 48, of Federal St., Perry, and Justin P. Porter, 29, of Bennington Dr., Rochester.
Deputy Moore arrived on scene to assist with the investigation along with K9 Deputy Mullen and K9 Frankie.
K9 Frankie allegedly had a positive response for the presence of narcotic drugs.
Deputies on scene then conducted a search of the vehicle and allegedly located drugs.
All three occupants of the vehicle were arrested.
Porter provided deputies with a fake name and refused to disclose his true identity. While in custody at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Porter attempted to conceal drugs by hiding them in an interview room.
Porter is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd with intent to sell, tampering with physical evidence, conspiracy 4th, criminal possession of controlled substance 7th, obstruction of governmental administration and false personation. Porter was virtually arraigned by Judge Mattice on behalf of Bergen Town Court and was released on his own recognizance as per bail reform laws.
Pierce and Whiteman were issued appearance tickets. They were charged with conspiracy 4th and criminal possession of controlled substance 7th. Pierce was also issued uniform traffic tickets on the charges of aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd and insufficient turn signal.
Deputy Chamoun was also assisted by Deputy Heberlein, Deputy Young, Deputy Gauthier and members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force.