Carmel, NY – May 8, 2026 - Putnam County District Attorney Robert Tendy announced that 34-year-old Modesto Martinez, of Queens, NY, will serve a three and a half year sentence, concurrent with a two to four year sentence, in state prison with a post-release supervision period of three years after pleading guilty to one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree,.

Martinez was arrested on April 10, 2025, after an investigation conducted by the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit. Investigators observed Martinez’s vehicle traveling on the Taconic State Parkway in the town of Putnam Valley with illegally tinted windows. Investigators conducted a traffic stop and observed what appeared to be a hidden compartment in the back panel of the front passenger’s seat. Utilizing a narcotics K-9, Investigators determined that there were narcotics in the area of the hidden compartment. Investigators were able to open this hidden compartment, or “trap,” by manipulating the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical system and recovered cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and assorted prescription pills, as well as a loaded Rugar handgun.

Tendy said, “this was great work by the State Police—and their K-9! Once the dog got the scent of drugs, they all knew there were drugs somewhere. And they found it in a concealed “trap” compartment. Nice job by all.”

The investigation was conducted and the arrest was made by the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Breanne Smith.