Long Island Couple Hit With Felony Drug Charges

PLEASANT VALLEY, NY – A Long Island couple faces felony drug charges after police found drugs in their car during a traffic stop Saturday, State Police said.

According to police, around 10:50 a.m., troopers observed a 2017 Dodge Ram pickup truck traveling above the speed limit on the Taconic State Parkway in the town of Pleasant Valley.

A traffic stop was initiated and an odor of marijuana was detected coming from inside the vehicle, police said.

One of the two people in the car, 39-year-old Michael R. Morea, admitted to possessing marijuana in the car and a further investigation revealed that the couple was in possession of cocaine, police said.

Morea and 32-year-old Samantha C. Morea, both of Patchogue, were each charged with fifth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Michael Morea was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.

Michael and Samantha Morea were arraigned before the town of Pleasant Valley Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. Both are next scheduled to appear before the court on Jan. 19.

State Police photos