Illegal Growing Operation Discovered, 10 Pounds Of Marijuana Seized

While Rhinebeck in Dutchess County may be very popular as a Lower Hudson Valley tourism stop, police say it is also popular for a couple guys involved in a completely different industry — illegally growing marijuana.

State troopers on Friday uncovered an illegal marijuana growing operation in the Town of Rhinebeck and seized more han 10 pounds of marijuana. They also arrested two men in connection with the operation.

Warren Pedatella, 36, of 21 Goldfinch Drive, and Michael McCaffery, 39, of 470 Rossway Road, both of Pleasant Valley, NY, are charged with unalwfully growing cannibus and first-degree criminal possession of marijuana.

Both men were arraigned in Rhinebeck Town Court and later released after posting $5,000 bail. They face a hearing in court on April 12.