New Jersey Man Charged After Cocaine Seizure in Rosendale: New York State Police say a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Rosendale led to the seizure of about two kilograms of cocaine and felony drug charges against a 39-year-old New Jersey man.
The arrest followed a Sept. 1 stop by members of the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit. Police said troopers observed a 2025 Honda Civic traveling north in the Town of Rosendale while allegedly violating multiple state vehicle and traffic laws.
Police say search found cocaine in trunk
State Police identified the driver and sole occupant as Akeen D. Barnes, 39, of Teaneck, New Jersey. According to the agency, troopers developed suspicion of criminal activity during the stop and searched the vehicle.
Police said approximately two kilograms of cocaine were discovered in the trunk area.
Charges announced by State Police
Barnes was charged with:
- Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, a Class A felony.
- Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree with intent to sell, a Class B felony.
- Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, an unclassified misdemeanor.
State Police said Barnes was arraigned Sept. 1 at Ulster County Centralized Arraignment Part and ordered held without bail at the Ulster County Jail.
What the charges mean
The most serious accusation listed by police is first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. New York classifies that offense as a Class A felony. The third-degree possession charge cited by police includes an allegation of intent to sell.
The allegations remain subject to the court process. An arrest or criminal charge is not a finding of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Traffic stops can become criminal investigations
Police did not provide a detailed explanation of what created the suspicion that led to the search, beyond stating that the investigation established suspicion of criminal activity. The release also did not describe whether the cocaine was packaged in a particular way or whether any additional evidence was seized.
The case was handled by Troop F, which covers parts of the Hudson Valley. State Police listed Trooper Justin Whritenour as the interim public information officer for Troop F.
What remains unclear
The State Police release did not identify an attorney for Barnes or provide details about future court dates. It also did not say whether additional charges are being considered.
Because this report is based on an initial police release, some details may change as the case moves through court. The Utica Phoenix will update the story if State Police or court officials release significant new information.
Source: New York State Police news release dated Sept. 25, 2026.
