Grand Island man arrested in drug case

Buffalo, New York (WBEN) – A Grand Island man faces numerous drug charges after Erie County sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant at his home Thursday.

Jay Mudra, 29, of Grand Island was arraigned Friday before Judge Mark Nemeth in Grand Island Town Court on charges of:

– One count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (class “AI” misdemeanor);
– Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree (class “A-II” misdemeanors);
– Three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (class “B” misdemeanors);
– Three counts of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia (class “A” misdemeanors).

Investigators say the Erie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for Mudra, who was the subject of a narcotics investigation. Investigators conducted a traffic stop while the defendant was driving in the area of ​​Riverwoods Drive and Timberlink Drive in the Town of Grand Island.

They say a suspected quantity of cocaine was allegedly found inside the vehicle, which was presented as evidence for further analysis by the Erie County Central Law Enforcement Laboratory.

Deputies say they also executed a search warrant at Mudra’s residence on East River Road. A suspected quantity of cocaine, a suspicious quantity of psilocybin mushrooms, scales and packaging materials were allegedly found inside the home. The items were submitted into evidence for testing.

The defendant is charged with possession of suspected narcotics and hallucinogenic mushrooms with intent to distribute.

Mudra, who was remanded in custody following his arraignment, appeared Monday afternoon before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew LoTempio for a motion for bail. Bail was changed to $10,000 cash, $20,000 surety or $20,000 partially secured bond.

The case is scheduled to return to Grand Island Municipal Court on Wednesday, May 22.

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