Putnam man with criminal background arrested on felony marijuana charges

KENT – A Kent man with a criminal history including serving state and federal prison terms for a number of crimes, has been arrested on felony marijuana charges by the Putnam, County Sheriff’s Office.

Police alleged that Charlie Mendez, 42, was selling marijuana from his residence on Route 52 in the Town of Kent. While conducting their investigation, Sheriff’s undercover officers infiltrated the operation.

Mendez was making several trips to New York City each week to buy, bring it back to Putnam and sell it to local customers on a daily basis.

Police arrested him as he left his job in the Town of Patterson. At the same time, officers armed with a search warrant went to his home and found marijuana, cash, digital scales and packaging materials.

Mendez was charged with felony and misdemeanor sale of marijuana as well as endangering the welfare of a child since it was determined he was selling drugs in the presence of small children who lived in the Mendez home.

Police said he has an extensive criminal history including serving state and federal prison time for a number of violent crimes including armed robbery and importation of cocaine with the intent to distribute.