Orange County Man Charged with Illegal Drug Possession in Sloatsburg

Rockland County Sheriff’s officer stopped him for driving while talking on cell phone

SLOATSBURG – A 55-year-old Middletown man stopped by police for talking on a cell phone while driving on Route 17 in Sloatsburg has been accused of multiple illegal drug possession charges, according to the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department.

Antonio Giavannelli Jr. was driving a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette at 11:55 a.m. on Nov. 11 when he was pulled over by a Sheriff’s officer in Sloatsburg. Police said Giavannelli was found to be driving with a suspended driver’s license. During an investigation, police said Giavennelli was found to be carrying two guns – one a realistic looking starter’s pistol, and the other a realistic looking “airsoft” gun.

Police said the investigation also found that Giavannelli had more than $6,000 in cash, jewelry and drugs including oxycodone, Aderrall, Viagra and Valium.

He was arrested and charged with:

– Third- and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, both felonies.

– Seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.

– Criminal possession of a controlled substance not in its original container, a public health law misdemeanor.

– Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor.

– And, driving while using a cell phone, a traffic infraction.

Giovannelli was arraigned in Sloatsburg Village Court and later released pending a Dec. 17 hearing.

Republished: Nyack Free Press