Jaime L. Cruz-Ventura of Springs, 34, who was charged on April 24 with a felony count of driving while intoxicated, was later also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.
East Hampton Town police stopped Mr. Cruz-Ventura on Springs-Fireplace Road at around 9 that evening, saying he was driving without lights and speeding. Reports indicate that he had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and was unsteady on his feet.
He was taken to police headquarters in Wainscott and booked into a holding cell to await a morning appearance in Justice Court. Later that night, police reported finding a clear bag in his wallet with a “white powdery substance” inside. The substance tested positive for cocaine, they said, and the charge of possession was added to his file.
After he was found to have been charged with drunken driving in February as well, the D.W.I. charge was raised to the felony level, and a second misdemeanor, driving without a license, was added. Mr. Cruz-Ventura was released on his own recognizance by Justice Steven Tekulsky, and is to be back in court at a future date.
