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Dutchess County resident Leonardo De La Cruz, age 25, of Poughkeepsie was charged on Monday, Oct. 7, with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell after complaints and tips from residents.
Before De La Cruz's arrest, the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force had been working on numerous investigations narcotic dealers operating on Main Street in the City of Poughkeepsie or municipal parking lots off Main Street, said Det. Sgt. Adam Harris of the task force.
Following raids and arrests conducted by the task force on Main Street on Thursday, Oct. 3, and the overdoses on Friday Oct. 4, agents started to receive information regarding a person selling narcotics behind the buildings located between 453 Main Street and 458 Main Street, Harris said.
Harris said task force sgents identified the drug dealer as De La Cruz. As a result of an investigation, agents were able to purchase drugs from De La Cruz in that area.
On Monday, agents located De La Cruz in the that same area and took him into custody where he was found to have a fentanyl packaged for sale as well as crack cocaine, Harris said.
De La Cruz was also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.
He was remanded to the Dutchess County Jail on $75,000 cash bail, $150,000 secured bond, or $250,000 partially secured bond.
"The Drug Task Force is working diligently and quickly to identify those persons responsible for selling narcotics and dangerous drugs to community members," Harris said.
If anyone has information regarding this case or about any 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.
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