Traffic Stop on I-84 Leads to Seizure of 51 Pounds of Marijuana

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Sheriff Brian Hess announces the arrest of Reynalda G. Sierra Mejia, 35, of West Hartford, Connecticut, following a traffic stop in the Town of Southeast.

On July 25, 2026, at approximately 2:57 a.m., Deputy Victoria Crimmins was patrolling Interstate 84 eastbound when she observed a black GMC SUV commit multiple traffic violations and initiated a traffic stop.

During the investigation, Deputy Crimmins observed signs indicating that Sierra Mejia may have been operating the vehicle while impaired by drugs. Sergeant Shane Rossiter responded to the scene and assisted Deputy Crimmins with the investigation.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of approximately 51 pounds of cannabis contained in numerous vacuum-sealed packages. Deputies also recovered a quantity of suspected narcotics that field tested positive for ketamine.

Sierra Mejia was transported to the Putnam County Correctional Facility, where a Drug Recognition Expert conducted an evaluation as part of the investigation.

Sierra Mejia was charged with:

  • Criminal Possession of Cannabis in the First Degree, a Class D felony
  • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
  • Operating a Motor Vehicle While Ability Impaired by Drugs, a misdemeanor

She was also issued multiple Uniform Traffic Tickets.

Sierra Mejia was arraigned in the Town of Southeast Justice Court and released on her own recognizance.

All suspects mentioned in this media release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sergeant Michael DiVeglio

Public Information Officer
Putnam County Sheriff's Office
845-490-4569

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