Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 29-year-old Jay M. Mudra of Grand Island was arraigned on Friday before Grand Island Town Court Justice Mark S. Nemeth on one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felony), two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree (Class “A-II” felonies), three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class “B” felonies) and three counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors).
It is alleged that on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at approximately 7:47 p.m., members of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant of the defendant who was the subject of a narcotics investigation. Investigators initiated a traffic stop as the defendant was driving in the area of Riverwoods Drive and Timberlink Drive in the Town of Grand Island. A quantity of suspected cocaine was allegedly found inside of the vehicle, which was submitted into evidence for further analysis by the Erie County Central Police Services laboratory.
It is further alleged that later the same evening, at approximately 8:39 p.m., investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on East River Road. A quantity of suspected cocaine, a quantity of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, scales and packaging materials were allegedly found inside of the home. The items were submitted into evidence for testing. The defendant is accused of possessing suspected narcotics and hallucinogenic mushrooms with intent to distribute.
Mudra, who was remanded following his arraigned, 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. The matter is scheduled to return to Grand Island Town Court on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
If convicted of the highest charge, Mudra faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Acting DA Keane commends the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Intelligence Unit and Homeland Security Investigations for their work in this 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.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.