I-390 Stop Nets Another Drug Arrest

INTERSTATE 390: Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrest of two Rochester, NY men on felony drug charges after a traffic stop on Interstate 390.On February 11, 2019 Deputy Connor Sanford of the Sheriff’s STOP DWI Unit was patrolling Interstate 390 and conducted a traffic stop for a violation of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law.

The operator of the vehicle was identified as 47 year old Charles F. Evans of Rochester NY and the passenger as 19 year old Louie J. Roberts of Rochester NY. A driver’s license check revealed that Evans’ driving privileges had been suspended or revoked a total of eighteen (18) times. It was also suspected that Evans and Roberts were involved in drug activity and a roadside drug investigation ensued.

Following the roadside investigation, it was found that Evans and Roberts were in possession of over twenty (20) grams of crack cocaine along with packaging consistent with the sale of crack cocaine. It is further alleged that Roberts tampered with evidence when he attempted to conceal it on his person when the vehicle was initially pulled over. Roberts was also found to be in possession of marijuana.

Evans was charged with felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (intent to sell), felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th Degree, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 2nd Degree.

Roberts was charged with felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (intent to sell), felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th Degree, felony Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.

Both Evans and Roberts were turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing and pre-arraignment detention. The District Attorney’s Office was contacted in regards to bail due to the felony level charges. It was recommended that Roberts
be held on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond and Evans was to be held per the NYS Criminal Procedure Law due to him having eight (8) prior felony convictions.

Both Evans and Roberts were later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) at the Livingston County Jail before Town of Caledonia Justice Mark Riggi. The Judge remanded  both to the custody of the Sheriff on the recommended bail; Evans was held without the possibility of bail and Roberts was held on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.

The investigation was a collaborative effort with the New York State Police. Assisting on scene were Deputy Shawn Whitford and Trooper TJ McDonnell with his K9 partner Mic. Also assisting with the investigation were Sheriff’s Sergeant Ryan Swanson and State Police Investigator Michael Kleinhans.

   Charles Evans                                          Louie Roberts