Members of the New York State Police Troop K Community Stabilization Unit conducted a traffic stop on May 14, 2025, resulting in the arrest of two New York City residents on multiple drug charges.
The incident occurred when troopers stopped a 2021 Jeep traveling northbound on the Taconic State Parkway in East Fishkill for vehicle and traffic law violations. The vehicle’s occupants were identified as Julio C. Tejada, 41, and Michael Barnes, 45, both from New York, NY.
With assistance from K-9 Vinn, troopers received a positive alert for illegal narcotics, establishing probable cause for a vehicle search. The search yielded:
- 47 grams of crack cocaine
- 14.6 grams of powdered cocaine
- Approximately 180 glassine envelopes containing fentanyl
- 2.6 grams of fentanyl in pill form
Both suspects face multiple charges, including:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th Degree (Class C Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (Class B Felony) – two counts
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree with Intent to Sell (Class B Felony) – three counts
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) – three counts
Following arraignment in East Fishkill Town Court, both Tejada and Barnes were remanded to Dutchess County Jail without bail.
