Connecticut duo arrested for felony cocaine possession
NEW YORK STATE POLICE Major Joseph W. DoddTroop T Commander
PRESS RELEASECanaan, NY – On March 13, 2017, at approximately 3:47 p.m., State Police initiated a traffic stop of a Chevrolet Trailblazer westbound on I-90 for a speeding violation. The driver, later identified as, Marlin M. Lawrence, 45, of Hartford, CT, led Troopers on a short vehicle pursuit ending off I-90 on State Route 22 at State Route 203, where he ran off the roadway, getting struck in a ditch. Lawrence then fled on foot, attempted to dispose of narcotics, and was apprehended by Troopers a short distance from the vehicle. His passenger, Rogers L. Crawford, 46, of Manchester, CT, was taken into custody at the scene. The men were found in possession of 5.2 ounces of cocaine, 2 grams of MDMA*, and 2 grams of marijuana. Lawrence and Crawford were taken into custody, transported and processed at SP Albany. Additionally, it was determined Lawrence had an active arrest warrant in Connective for Parole Absconding. As a result he was subsequently charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd Degree; a Class A Felony
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th Degree; a Class C Felony
- Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
- Unlawful Fleeing in the 3rd Degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
- Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the 2nd Degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana; a Violation
- Reckless Driving and Numerous Vehicle & Traffic Violations
He was arraigned before the Town of Canaan Court and remanded to the Columbia County Jail without bail. Crawford was subsequently charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th Degree; a Class C Felony
- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana; a Violation
He was arraigned before the Town of Canaan Court and remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. *MDMA is commonly known as Ecstasy or Molly. MDMA is a psychoactive drug primarily used for its euphoric effects.