Drug Task Force Nabs 3 Dutchess County Dealers In Warrant Takedown: Police

Three alleged Hudson Valley cocaine and fentanyl dealers were busted during a warrant takedown following an investigation sparked by residents' complaints.

From Left: Ronald L. Davis, Leonardo De La Cruz, and Bernard Diggs
Photo Credit: *Dutchess County Drug Task Force*

Kathy Reakes

10/04/2024 9:15 a.m.

The incident occurred in Dutchess County on Thursday, Oct. 3, in the 400 and 500 blocks of Main Street in Poughkeepsie, said the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force.

According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the task force, the investigation began after numerous community members reported this activity to the unit.

"Complaints included narcotic and dangerous drug sales taking place at all hours of the day on Main Street and South Clinton Streets by numerous individuals," Harris said.

Agents then began purchasing cocaine and fentanyl from three separate drug dealers identified as Ronald L. Davis, age 47; Bernard Diggs, age 27, and Leonardo De La Cruz, age 25, all of Poughkeepsie, and all selling narcotics and dangerous drugs on Main Street between S. Cherry Street and S. Hamilton Street, known as the 400 and 500 blocks of Main Street.

Harris said the investigation resulted in a search warrant being issued for a residence at 407 Main St., a vehicle, and Davis, Diggs, and De La Cruz.

During the warrant search, task force members with the. Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Emergency Service Unit, the City of Poughkeepsie Police, and the New York State Police arrested the three men and seized a large quantity of crack cocaine and fentanyl, Harris added.

The following charges were filed:

Ronald L. Davis:

Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell
Criminal possession of a controlled substance, half-ounce or more
Criminal possession of a controlled substance

Davis was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Court and remanded to Dutchess County Jail without bail.

Leonardo De La Cruz: Criminal sale of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Court and ordered to be released.

Bernard Diggs: Criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and criminal possession of a controlled substance

Diggs was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Court and ordered to be released.

If anyone has information regarding this case or other individuals selling drugs in Dutchess County, you are urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or by emailing DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Pawling and receive free news updates.