Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports the arrest of a Putnam Valley woman who was discovered to be in possession of an unregistered handgun after a deputy sheriff responded to a report of a dispute at the woman's residence.

On January 25, 2009 at 10:31 p. m., Deputy Sheriff Sean Menton responded to a 911 report of a disturbance at 18 Cedar Drive, Putnam Valley. Upon arrival and investigation, the deputy determined that Joanne K. Petersen, 54, was in possession of an unregistered. 357 Magnum revolver. The deputy arrested Ms. Petersen and charged her with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a misdemeanor. The deputy confiscated the weapon and released the defendant in her own recognizance pending a February 10, 2009 appearance in the Town of Putnam Valley Justice Court to answer the charge.

If found guilty of the misdemeanor charge, the defendant could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00.