Assemblyman Katz Ticketed for Pot, Speeding

Assemblyman Steve Katz (R–Mohegan Lake) was ticketed on Thursday morning for being in possession of marijuana and speeding, state police said. 

Katz, 59, who was first elected to office in 2010, was stopped for speeding on New York State Thruway in the town of Coeymans on March 14 at about 10 a.m., state police said in a statement.  

While driving northbound on I-87, Katz was traveling at 80 mph in a posted 65-mph speed zone, police said. After noting the odor of marijuana, a trooper found Katz in possession of a small bag of marijuana. 

Katz, a veterinarian who lives in Yorktown with his wife Nicole and their four daughters, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. 

He was released and scheduled to appear in the town of Coeymans Court on March 28.

Katz issued a statement Friday afternoon:

"In light of the unfortunate incident that occurred, I am compelled to address it briefly.

First, I will not let this incident impede my public service and my calls for real mandate relief, a better economic climate and better services for those in need in New York.

This should not overshadow the work I have done over the years for the public and my constituency.

I am confident that once the facts are presented that this will quickly be put to rest."

He was re-elected to another two-year term in the Assembly in 2012. The 94th Assembly District includes Yorktown, Somers, Patterson, Southeast, Carmel and Putnam Valley.Katz earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Animal Science from Cornell University. 

Editor's Note: The information was provided by New York State Police. It does not indicate a conviction.