LIBERTY — On January 15, 2026, at approximately 5:47 p.m., members of the New York State Police Troop F Community Stabilization Unit observed a 2025 Chrysler traveling westbound on State Route 17 in the Town of Liberty committing multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.

Troopers initiated a traffic stop near Exit 97 and interviewed the driver and sole occupant, identified as Angel L. Cruz, age 54, of Rochester, NY. During the investigation, an exterior sniff of the vehicle was conducted by K-9 Moran, which resulted in a positive alert for narcotics.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed approximately 1,105 grams of cocaine and approximately $8,000 in U.S. currency.

Cruz was arrested and transported to State Police Liberty for processing without incident. He was charged with the following:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 1st Degree, Class A-I felony

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree, Intent to Sell, Prior Conviction, Class B felony

• Multiple Uniform Traffic Tickets

Cruz was arraigned in Town of Liberty Court and remanded to Sullivan County Jail without bail, pending a future court date.