Poughkeepsie Couple Charged with Felony Drug Offenses in Putnam County

A Poughkeepsie couple is facing felony charges in Southeast after their arrests by the Putnam Sheriff's Department.

Dennis Bussanich, 45, and Karleen Carter, 37, were taken into custody on Friday following an investigation at the Home Depot in the Highlands Shopping Center off Route 84.

According to Sheriff Brian Hess, members of the Sheriff's Office Conditions Unit observed Bussanich loading stolen merchandise into a vehicle in the parking lot. Deputies then approached Carter, the driver, and found drug paraphernalia inside the car.

The investigation led to the recovery of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and Suboxone. Both defendants were arraigned in Southeast Court, with Bussanich being remanded to the Putnam County Correctional Facility while Carter was released on her own recognizance pending future court appearances.