Police: Ulster County Pair Driving Without Head Lights Leads to Drug Charges

A teenager and a 20-year-old are accused of driving with cocaine, prescription drugs and more.

On Saturday around 1:30 a.m., a New Paltz officer allegedly observed a vehicle traveling on Main Street in the Village of New Paltz without its head lights on.

While speaking with the driver, 19-year-old Nicholas J. Sebesta of Wallkill, the officer could smell a strong odor of marijuana, police say.

Sebesta and his passenger, 20-year-old Connor S. McManus of Gardiner, were told to get out of the car and a search was performed. About two ounces of cocaine, various prescription medication and approximately three ounces of marijuana were located in the vehicle, officials say.

Both were placed into custody and transported to the New Paltz Police Department. During the ensuing investigation McManus was found to allegedly be hiding additional prescription medications and marijuana.

Both were charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, felonies, and a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana.

McManus was also charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony, and two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.

Both were processed at the New Paltz Police Department, arraigned in the Town of New Paltz Court and remanded to Ulster County Jail on $5,000 cash bail and $10,000 bond.

The New Paltz Police Department was assisted by the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team