Sheriff Brian Hess announces the arrest of Jon D. Vena, age 42, of Bethel, NY, on multiple drug and weapon charges following a traffic stop in the Town of Putnam Valley by members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Conditions Unit.
On March 7, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m., members of the Conditions Unit observed a vehicle traveling on Bryant Pond Road with the driver not wearing a seatbelt. Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Bryant Pond Road and Butterfly Lane.
During the stop and subsequent investigation, deputies observed drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics inside the vehicle. Further investigation resulted in the recovery of a quantity of fentanyl, alprazolam (Xanax), metal knuckles, and a sawed-off 20-gauge shotgun from inside the vehicle. Deputies also recovered several imitation air pistols that had been spray-painted black. Vena was also found to be operating the vehicle while his New York State driver’s license was revoked.
Vena was charged with the following:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree — Narcotic Drug with Intent to Sell (Class B Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Narcotic Drug in the 4th Degree (Class C Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree — Previous Conviction (Class D Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 2nd Degree (Unclassified Misdemeanor)
- Multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law infractions
Vena was arraigned in the Town of Putnam Valley Court where he was remanded to the Putnam County Correctional Facility without bail due to prior felony convictions.
