The indictment that landed two Bronx men in Cayuga County Court was sparked by a traffic infraction.
According to New York State Police and District Attorney Jon Budelmann, Raul Villar Jr. and Jason Rivera were headed west on the Thruway on Oct. 24 when Villar was pulled over for allegedly driving 105 mph.
Once the vehicle stopped, matters worsened for the two men.
After allegedly witnessing Rivera throw a marijuana cigarette out of the passenger-side window, troopers reported making two other discoveries: Villar was allegedly driving without a license and carrying 101 bags of cocaine — weighing in at a 1/4 pound — in his vehicle.
And on Thursday morning, both Villar and Rivera appeared in court to face indictments recently filed against them for the Brutus incident.
Villar, 22, of 721 Walton Ave., Apt. E12, pleaded not guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, both felonies; third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor; and speeding, an infraction.
He was remanded to the Cayuga County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash or a $50,000 bond.
Rivera, 27, 711 Walton Ave., Apt. 3A, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, both felonies; unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation; and littering, an infraction.
He was remanded to the jail in lieu of $20,000 cash or a $40,000 bond.
As Rivera was escorted away, his family — who traveled nearly five hours from the Bronx to support Rivera — exited the courtroom. A few women brushed away tears as they left.
According to both men’s defense attorneys, the indictment marks the co-defendants’ first brush with the law.
