Cops: Man with Prior Drug Convictions Faces Charges After Southeast Arrest

Authorities have arrested a 25-year-old Carmel man after a five-month investigation into drug deals in Carmel and Southeast, officials say.

Troy A. Benson, of Lakeview Road, is facing two counts of criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a single count of criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, and criminal sale and possession of marijuana in the third degree, Putnam County Sheriff Don Smith said in a recent release.

"In early July 2012, an investigator assigned to the Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement
Unit developed information that a Carmel resident was illegally selling prescription
medication and marijuana to others at various locations," the release states. "The investigator was able to infiltrate the operation, make contact with the suspect and purchase pills from him."

Benson was arrested the night of Dec. 20, after the investigator "observed the suspect engage in a drug transaction in a Southeast parking lot." Officials reportedly seized the defendant's 2005 Chevrolet pickup—where he allegedly conducted his drug sales—as well as cash, pills and pot.

Following arraignment before Carmel Town Justice Joseph Spofford, Benson was sent, without bail, to the Putnam County Correctional Facility in Carmel. He will be due back in court at a later date.

"A criminal history check of Mr. Benson revealed that he has two prior
felony drug convictions," officials said, "and recently completed a term of incarceration in a New York state prison."