Grand Island man facing felony charges following drug investigation

Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
·2 min read

May 21—A Grand Island is facing felony charges following a narcotics investigation by the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

Jay M. Mudra, 29, was arraigned on Friday before Grand Island Town Court Justice Mark S. Nemeth on one count of first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (Class "A-I" felony), two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (Class "A-II" felonies), three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (Class "B" felonies) and three counts of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia (Class "A" misdemeanors).

Thursday night, members of the Erie County Sheriff's Office stopped Mudra, who was the subject of a narcotics investigation, as he was driving in the area of Riverwoods and Timberlink drives in the Town of Grand Island. A quantity of suspected cocaine was reportedly found inside of the vehicle, which was submitted into evidence for further analysis by the Erie County Central Police Services laboratory.

Later Thursday night, investigators executed a search warrant at Mudra's residence on East River Road. A quantity of suspected cocaine, a quantity of suspect psilocybin mushrooms, scales and packaging materials were reportedly found inside of the home. The items were submitted into evidence for testing. He is accused of possessing suspected narcotics and hallucinogenic mushrooms with intent to distribute.

Mudra, who was remanded following his arraignment on Friday, appeared this afternoon before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio for a bail motion. Bail was modified to $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond or $20,000 partially secured bond.

If convicted of the highest charge, Mudra faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane commended the Erie County Sheriff's Office Narcotics and Intelligence Unit and Homeland Security Investigations for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Ryan D. Haggerty of the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Leah A. Higgins of the Justice Courts Bureau.