NYC Man Admits To Possessing Pot

By DAVID WINTERS

Johnson News Service

CANTON - A Brooklyn man admitted Tuesday in St. Lawrence County Court to possessing nearly 50 pounds of marijuana in September 2009.

Roger N. McLean, 39, pleaded guilty to the sole charge of first-degree criminal possession of marijuana as jury selection for his trial was to begin, District Attorney Nicole M. Duve said. The plea agreement calls for him to receive five years' probation when sentenced Oct. 25.

Mr. McLean confessed to having about 49 pounds of marijuana in a rental car when he was stopped Sept. 6 on Route 37 in the town of Massena by a U.S. Border Patrol agent, attorneys said.

Defense attorney Craig P. Schlanger, Syracuse, said he had several issues with how his client was stopped by the Border Patrol agent and later had his rental car searched. Mr. McLean didn't waive his right to appeal, as many defendants do while accepting a plea deals in St. Lawrence County Court, because he pleaded guilty to the top count as indicted, Ms. Duve said.