Tag:

Drug Trafficking

Investigation Leads To Guns, Cash, Drugs, Hudson Valley Duo Charged, Police Say Investigation Leads To Guns, Cash, Drugs, Hudson Valley Duo Charged, Police Say
Investigation Leads To Guns, Cash, Drugs, Hudson Valley Duo Charged, Police Say A Hudson Valley man and woman were charged, and police seized drugs, guns, and cash following a two-year investigation into drug sales in the area.  The incident occurred in Orange County on Thursday, July 25, at three locations in the city of Middletown. According to Lt. Jeffry Thoelen of the Middletown Police, the  Department's Narcotics Unit executed three no-knock search warrants at two residences and a storage unit, concluding an extensive two-year investigation into the sale and trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine in and around the Middletown area.  …
Couple Busted Selling Fentanyl, Cocaine Out Of Home In Region, Police Say Couple Busted Selling Fentanyl, Cocaine Out Of Home In Region, Police Say
Couple Busted Selling Fentanyl, Cocaine Out Of Home In Region, Police Say A couple is facing charges after investigators found hard drugs and trafficking materials inside their home in the region, police said. Rensselaer County residents Jacen Blair, age 46, and Rebecca Gorman, age 33, were arrested at their Hoosick Falls residence Friday, July 12, following a multi-agency drug trafficking investigation. Sheriff’s officials said a search warrant executed at the couple’s Scott Street home uncovered approximately 71 grams of cocaine and fentanyl, along with a 22-caliber rifle. They also found drug packaging materials, scales, and an undisclosed amount of cash, acc…
2 Suspects Charged In Dutchess County $27K Phone Scam 2 Suspects Charged In Dutchess County $27K Phone Scam
2 Suspects Charged In Dutchess County $27K Phone Scam Two suspects from New Jersey posing as law enforcement authorities in New York were nabbed after allegedly scamming residents out of $27,000. The Hudson Valley incident occurred in Dutchess County on Tuesday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 19. According to Capt. John Watterson of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Vivek B. Shingarakhia, age 24, and Kishan Gajera, age 31, both of Jersey City, in connection with the investigation into a phone scam that was reported to the Sheriff’s Office, Wednesday, June 19. Watterson said the victims reported to sheriff’s deputies that they susp…
Trio Sells Fentanyl-Laced Heroin In Region, Police Say Trio Sells Fentanyl-Laced Heroin In Region, Police Say
Trio Sells Fentanyl-Laced Heroin In Region, Police Say Three people are facing drug charges for allegedly planning to sell heroin laced with fentanyl in the region. In Rensselaer County, Troy Police executed a search warrant Thursday afternoon, June 13, at a home in the Lansingburgh neighborhood, on 5th Avenue near 118th Street. The search followed a “lengthy investigation” into reported drug sales at the property, police said. Inside, officers allegedly found evidence that tested positive for both heroin and fentanyl. The following suspects were arrested on suspicion of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell …
26 Charged In 'Hot Lunch' Drugs, Guns Takedown In Hudson Valley 26 Charged In 'Hot Lunch' Drugs, Guns Takedown In Hudson Valley
26 Charged In 'Hot Lunch' Drugs, Guns Takedown In Hudson Valley A food truck is at the center of a significant drug and gun takedown in the Hudson Valley that resulted in 26 arrests. The 26 were scooped up as part of a six-month-long investigation by numerous agencies throughout the Hudson Valley, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. In addition to the 26, Hoovler said two individuals are pending extradition from other states, and one is in ICE custody.  According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Kirkland Salmon was at the center of four different conspiracies to traffic narcotics and …
Poughkeepsie Crack Dealer Busted By Drug Task Force, Police Say Poughkeepsie Crack Dealer Busted By Drug Task Force, Police Say
Poughkeepsie Crack Dealer Busted By Task Force, Cops Say A Hudson Valley alleged drug dealer is behind bars after being busted for crack cocaine sales by a drug task force. Dutchess County resident Ronald Davis, age 47, of the City of Poughkeepsie, was arrested on Wednesday, May 22, by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Drug Task Force agents began investigating Davis after receiving complaints from residents and government officials of open dealing in the area of Main Street between Hamilton and Clinton Streets.  Task Force agents began purchasing cocaine from…
Poughkeepsie Drug Dealer Nabbed With Drugs, Gun For Second Time In 3 Weeks, Cops Say Poughkeepsie Drug Dealer Nabbed With Drugs, Gun For Second Time In 3 Weeks, Cops Say
Poughkeepsie Drug Dealer Nabbed For Second Time, Cops Say An alleged drug dealer has been nabbed for the second time in three weeks by a drug task force in the region, police said. Dutchess County resident Jaylen Shaw, age 22, of the town of Poughkeepsie, was arrested on Friday, May 10, in Poughkeepsie by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the task force, a continued investigation into Shaw's activities led to his arrest following a search of his home where "dangerous" drugs, a gun, and ammo were seized. Shaw was first arrested by the task force on Thursday, April 18, after a search of …
Poughkeepsie Man Busted With 'Large Quantity' Of Fentanyl, Police Say Poughkeepsie Man Busted With 'Large Quantity' Of Fentanyl, Police Say
Poughkeepsie Man Busted With Fentanyl, Cops Say A Hudson Valley alleged drug dealer has been charged with possession of a large quantity of fentanyl following an investigation. Dutchess County resident Shaquille Heirs, age 29, of Poughkeepsie, was arrested Thursday, April 25, after he was captured in the town of Poughkeepsie.  According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force, Heirs became a target after a raid on a South Clinton Street home in March.  During the raid, Harris said Heirs had a large quantity of fentanyl packaged to sell.  "This area of South Clinton …
Hudson Valley Man, 64, Charged With Selling Drugs/Pills Hudson Valley Man, 64, Charged With Selling Drugs/Pills
Hudson Valley Man, 64, Charged With Selling Drugs/Pills A Hudson Valley man was charged with allegedly selling drugs in the region following a five-month investigation. Orange County resident Thomas McDonnell, age 64, of Deerpark, was arrested on Thursday, April 18, by members of the Deerpark Police Department and the City of Port Jervis Police Department. His arrest comes after a five-month investigation into the sale of narcotics in Deerpark and the City of Port Jervis, said Deerpark Police Chief Richard Sztyndor. Following a search of his home, McDonnell was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controll…
Shenanigans, Indeed: Manager At Gentleman's Club In Region Busted Selling Meth, Feds Say Shenanigans, Indeed: Manager At Gentleman's Club In Region Busted Selling Meth, Feds Say
Shenanigans, Indeed: Manager At Gentleman's Club In Region Busted Selling Meth, Feds Say The general manager of a gentleman’s club in the region is facing federal charges after he was allegedly busted in an undercover sting selling drugs. Luiggi Canessa, who manages Shenanigans gentlemen's club in Schenectady, is named in a complaint filed in US District Court in the Northern District on Tuesday, April 9. FBI agents began investigating a “wide array of crime” occurring at the club, as well as an adjoining business, Sheer Pleasure Lingerie, in late 2023, according to the complaint. That conduct allegedly included drug and sex trafficking, and wire fraud. Canessa, who manages…
Dutchess County Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To Prison Dutchess County Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To Prison
Dutchess County Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To Prison A 48-year-old Hudson Valley fentanyl dealer has been sentenced to prison following a guilty plea. Related: Accused Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Pleasant Valley Following Drug Task Force Investigation According to Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi, Dutchess County resident Bryan Whittle, of Pleasant Valley, was sentenced on Monday, April 1 to 12-and-half years in state prison and five years post-release supervision.  Whittle pleaded guilty to the charges against him in January. Whittle was arrested on Friday, April 14, 2023, following an investigation led by the Dut…
Hudson Valley Drug Dealer Directed Multiple 'Vicious' Attacks: Here's His Sentence Hudson Valley Drug Dealer Directed Multiple 'Vicious' Attacks: Here's His Sentence
Hudson Valley Drug Dealer Directed Multiple 'Vicious' Attacks: Here's His Sentence A Hudson Valley marijuana dealer from Northern Westchester will spend nearly two decades in prison for directing multiple violent attacks, including a brutal beating that left a man naked and bloody in a pile of snow, officials announced.  Hawthorne resident Wayne Hicks, age 32, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for charges related to the attacks and drug trafficking, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Thursday, April 4.  According to federal officials, Hicks, a Rockland County marijuana dealer also known as "Weez," directed two separate …
Parolee Who Sold Fentanyl-Laced Pills In Region Heading Back To Slammer Parolee Who Sold Fentanyl-Laced Pills In Region Heading Back To Slammer
Parolee Who Sold Fentanyl-Laced Pills In Region Heading Back To Slammer One time behind bars apparently wasn’t enough for a convicted drug dealer from the region. Hason Harres, age 47, of Schenectady, was sentenced to just shy of six years in prison in Albany federal court on Wednesday, April 3. It followed his guilty plea to possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute. Prosecutors said Harres admitted to possessing and/or selling more than 1,400 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, as well as 92 grams of methamphetamine. Fentanyl is a powerful, synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Often ingested u…
NY Men 'Poisoned' Prominent Transgender Activist, 'Pose' Star Who OD'd: Feds NY Men 'Poisoned' Prominent Transgender Activist, 'Pose' Star Who OD'd: Feds
NY Men 'Poisoned' Prominent Transgender Activist, 'Pose' Star Who OD'd: Feds Two New York men are facing federal charges in the death of a prominent transgender activist, performer, and author. Long Island resident Antonio Venti, age 52, of West Babylon and Michael Kuilan, age 44, of Brooklyn, were arraigned on a four-count indictment in Brooklyn federal court on Monday, April 1. Prosecutors said Venti and Kuilan sold heroin laced with fentanyl to Cecilia Gentili. NYPD officers responded to the 52-year-old’s Brooklyn home on Feb. 6 following a 911 call from her partner. Gentili was found dead in her bedroom. An autopsy determined that she died from the combined eff…
Several Noncitizens Nabbed On Drug Trafficking, Possession Charges In Hudson Valley: Feds Several Noncitizens Nabbed On Drug Trafficking, Possession Charges In Hudson Valley: Feds
Several Noncitizens Nabbed On Drug Trafficking, Possession Charges In Hudson Valley: Feds Thirteen unlawfully present noncitizens caught in New York face drug trafficking and possession charges, including several who were apprehended in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island, officials said. The thirteen criminal noncitizens were apprehended following an effort by Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City Fugitive Operations officers conducted from Monday, March 11 to Tuesday, March 26, US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement announced on Friday, March 29.  The defendants all face charges related to the trafficking or possession of methamphetamines, fent…
Miami-Bound Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Dutchess County, Cops Say Miami-Bound Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Dutchess County, Cops Say
Miami-Bound Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Dutchess County, Cops Say An alleged fentanyl dealer in the region who was headed to Miami, Florida was nabbed by drug task agents before he could leave. Dutchess County resident Jose J. Cruz, age 22, of Beacon, was arrested early Monday, March 25 in Hyde Park by members of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Task Force, Cruz had been under investigation for the sale of fentanyl and other drugs in Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, and the surrounding areas. During the investigation, Cruz made several drug transactions with Task Force agents. Harris said …
State Troopers In Dutchess County Help Apprehend Major NYC Drug Dealer State Troopers In Dutchess County Help Apprehend Major NYC Drug Dealer
State Troopers In Dutchess County Help Apprehend Major NYC Drug Dealer A major drug trafficker was taken down with help from the New York State Police in the Hudson Valley. A warrant search aimed at apprehending the dealer, identified as Juan Rondon, age 60, of the Bronx, occurred on Wednesday, March 20 by the New York State Police Troop K Violent Gangs and Narcotic Enforcement Team and Unit K9 from Dutchess County, along with the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, said Trooper AJ Hicks. During the warrant search, more than 12 kilograms of cocaine and $3 million in cash were found hidden in t…
Honest Meth Dealer From Region Corrects Federal Agents: ‘21.7 Grams To Be Exact’ Honest Meth Dealer From Region Corrects Federal Agents: ‘21.7 Grams To Be Exact’
Honest Meth Dealer From Region Corrects Federal Agents: ‘21.7 Grams To Be Exact’ You gotta admire his honesty. A Schenectady man is facing years in federal lockup after admitting to selling hard drugs – and correcting agents on the exact amount. Ocyris Morgan, age 36, pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it in Albany federal court on Monday, March 4. Prosecutors said a search of Morgan’s Schenectady residence in June 2023 turned up more than 21 grams of methamphetamine, which he admitted he intended to sell. When he overheard federal agents saying they found between one-half and one ounce of the drug, Morgan corrected them, saying…
Fentanyl Dealing Duo Nabbed In Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, Police Say Fentanyl Dealing Duo Nabbed In Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, Police Say
Fentanyl Dealing Duo Nabbed In Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, Police Say Two fentanyl dealers were nabbed in the Hudson Valley in separate busts following an investigation into drug sales in the region. On Tuesday, Feb. 6, the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force arrested James Scott, age 35, of Poughkeepsie for the criminal sale of a controlled substance, said Sgt. Adam Harris, of the task force. The Dutchess County Drug Task Force had actively been investigating the sale of fentanyl in the City of Poughkeepsie, this investigation led to the arrest of Scott, Harris said.  Harris said in a second warrant arrest, the task force na…
Dealers Behind Fatal ODs Would Be Charged With Manslaughter Under NY Bill: 'This Is A Crisis' Dealers Behind Fatal ODs Would Be Charged With Manslaughter Under NY Bill: 'This Is A Crisis'
Dealers Behind Fatal ODs Would Be Charged With Manslaughter Under NY Bill: 'This Is A Crisis' Drug dealers in New York could soon face manslaughter charges for selling narcotics that result in fatal overdoses. State lawmakers are considering a bill that would make selling, delivering, or otherwise administering a controlled substance eligible for manslaughter charges if someone later dies from an overdose. Under current law, a person who provides an illicit drug that results in death can typically only be charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, a non-violent felony. Related Report: 'Gone Forever': Yonkers Mom Recounts Teen's Overdose On 'Red Table Talk' The bi…
Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed During Investigation In Poughkeepsie, Police Say Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed During Investigation In Poughkeepsie, Police Say
Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed During Investigation In Poughkeepsie, Police Say A Hudson Valley man was charged with the sale of a controlled substance during an ongoing investigation into fentanyl and drug sales in the region. Orange County resident Takai Jackson, age 27, of Newburgh, was busted by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force on Tuesday, Jan. 9 in Poughkeepsie. According to Sgt. Adam Harris of the Dutchess County task force, during the investigation Jackson was identified as moving drugs in the region. As a result, he was taken into custody at which time fentanyl and cocaine were found in his possession, Harris said. He was charged with criminal possession o…
Prominent Hudson Valley Anti-Gun Director Sentenced To Prison Prominent Hudson Valley Anti-Gun Director Sentenced To Prison
Prominent Hudson Valley Anti-Gun Director Sentenced To Prison A prominent Hudson Valley anti-gun leader has been sentenced to prison for drug trafficking in the region. Westchester County resident Michael Rodrigues, age 49, of Yonkers, was sentenced Thursday, Jan. 4, in Orange County Court to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He pled guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler.  Rodriguez is the director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.), which is a prominent anti-violence program that receives government mon…
Duo Caught With Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Pills After Traffic Stop On I-684: Police Duo Caught With Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Pills After Traffic Stop On I-684: Police
Duo Caught With Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Pills After Traffic Stop On I-684: Police Two Northern Westchester residents face drug charges after they were caught with crack cocaine, heroin, and pills during a traffic stop on a busy highway, police announced. Armonk resident Sidney Gershenov, age 34, and Chappaqua resident Katherine Oliver, age 35, were both arrested on Friday, Dec. 22 following a traffic stop on Interstate 684 in Harrison, New York State Police announced.  On the day of the incident, troopers patrolling I-684 pulled over a 2022 Jeep for traffic violations. Investigators then determined that the driver, Gershenov, was in possession of arou…
Special Delivery: Man Ships Meth To Region, Sells Fentanyl, Feds Say Special Delivery: Man Ships Meth To Region, Sells Fentanyl, Feds Say
Special Delivery: Man Ships Meth To Region, Sells Fentanyl, Feds Say A 46-year-old man is facing federal charges after allegedly shipping methamphetamine to the region from out of state and selling fentanyl. Michael Laudicina, of Santa Cruz, California, was arraigned on drug charges in Albany federal court on Thursday, Jan. 4. Prosecutors said Laudicina shipped at least 50 grams of meth to Albany, Ulster, and Warren counties on three occasions between July and November 2022. He also sold fentanyl – a powerful, synthetic opioid that’s nearly 100 times stronger than morphine – in August 2022, prosecutors said. In court Thursday, Laudicina was arraigned on ch…
Drug Dealer From Region Sentenced In Hudson Valley Overdose Death Drug Dealer From Region Sentenced In Hudson Valley Overdose Death
Drug Dealer From Region Sentenced In Hudson Valley Overdose Death A drug dealer from the region has been sentenced to prison in connection with the overdose death of a man he sold drugs to. Sullivan County resident Ralph Mann, age 37, of Barryville, was sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 4 in Orange County Court to four years in prison followed by two years of post-rekease supervision. Mann had pled guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance in connection with the death said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. Those charges were filed in connection with the death of a man who was found dead in the city of Port Jervis on Wednesday,…
6 Dealers Nabbed In Dutchess County Holiday Crackdown, Drug Task Force Says 6 Dealers Nabbed In Dutchess County Holiday Crackdown, Drug Task Force Says
6 Dealers Nabbed In Dutchess County Holiday Crackdown, Drug Task Force Says To "clean up the streets" from drug dealers before the holidays, a Hudson Valley drug task force initiated a special operation, arresting six alleged dealers. The Dutchess County Drug Task Force initiated "Operation Silent Night" in early October in an attempt to aggressively investigate and arrest drug dealers before the holidays. According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the task force, the sole purpose of the operation was to disrupt the flow of narcotics in Dutchess County by holding street-level dealers accountable.  During the operation, agents went to work …
Poughkeepsie Fentanyl Dealer Selling Within Feet Of HS Nabbed During Raid, Police Say Poughkeepsie Fentanyl Dealer Selling Within Feet Of HS Nabbed During Raid, Police Say
Poughkeepsie Fentanyl Dealer Selling Within Feet Of HS Nabbed During Raid, Police Say A Hudson Valley alleged drug dealer has been arrested for selling fentanyl within steps of a high school. Dutchess County resident Maurice Bogle, age 38, of the City of Poughkeepsie, was charged on Thursday, Nov. 2 during an early-morning raid.  According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, Bogle was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and criminal sale of a controlled substance. Additional charges are pending. The task force has been continuing to investigate drug dealers who peddle fentanyl and has been&nbs…
Two Poughkeepsie Men Busted With Fentanyl During Drug Task Force Raid, Police Say Two Poughkeepsie Men Busted With Fentanyl During Drug Task Force Raid, Police Say
Two Poughkeepsie Men Busted With Fentanyl During Drug Task Force Raid, Police Say Two Hudson Valley men are behind bars after being nabbed by a drug task force for allegedly dealing fentanyl in the area. Dutchess County residents Kenyatta Jackson, age 33, and Zaccia Curtis, age 21, both of the City of Poughkeepsie, were charged on Wednesday, Oct. 25 with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell following an investigation into drug sales in the region. "The Dutchess County Drug Task Force said the unit has been continuing to aggressively investigate drug dealers who sell poison in our communities," said Det. Sgt. Adam …
Anti-Gun Leader Admits Supplying Cocaine To Hudson Valley Drug Ring: DA Anti-Gun Leader Admits Supplying Cocaine To Hudson Valley Drug Ring: DA
Anti-Gun Leader Admits Supplying Cocaine To Hudson Valley Drug Ring: DA The 49-year-old director of a prominent anti-gun violence program from Westchester has admitted to supplying cocaine to narcotics dealers in the Hudson Valley, officials announced.  Yonkers resident Michael Rodriguez, age 49, pleaded guilty to drug and conspiracy charges on Thursday, Oct. 12 in Orange County Court, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced.  Earlier Report: Anti-Gun Leader Busted As Alleged Kingpin Of Orange County Drug Network Rodriguez is the Director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.), an anti-violence program…
Courtroom Shenanigans: Accused Drug Dealer In Region Tries Bribing Juror, Police Say Courtroom Shenanigans: Accused Drug Dealer In Region Tries Bribing Juror, Police Say
Courtroom Shenanigans: Accused Drug Dealer In Region Tries Bribing Juror, Police Say An accused drug dealer from the region is facing more charges after allegedly attempting to bribe a juror in his ongoing criminal trial. Schoharie County resident Michael Bell, age 37, was arrested Wednesday, Sept. 13, on a felony charge of bribing a juror, according to New York State Police. Troopers said Bell, of the village of Schoharie, approached a juror in the town of Amsterdam in Montgomery County earlier in the day and offered them money in an attempt to influence their jury decision. The juror refused his offer and was ultimately dismissed from the trial. Bell’s trial, which bega…
‘Tear Him Girl’: Kidnapping, Torture Of Man At Home In Region Lands Trio In Prison ‘Tear Him Girl’: Kidnapping, Torture Of Man At Home In Region Lands Trio In Prison
‘Tear Him Girl’: Kidnapping, Torture Of Man At Home In Region Lands Trio In Prison Three New York men will spend years in prison for kidnapping a man and subjecting him to nearly 24 hours of torture during which they repeatedly beat the victim, stomped his head, and encouraged a dog to bite him. Long Island residents Dwayne Henderson, age 26, and Danny Harrell, age 21, both of Nassau County, were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in Schenectady County Court on Monday, Aug. 14, following convictions for attempted murder and kidnapping. A third defendant, another Nassau County resident, Dieago Harrell, age 19, of Hempstead, was given 10 years behind bars after being c…