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Dutchess County resident Joseph M. Kundrat, age 32, of East Fishkill, was charged on Monday, Sept. 30, following an investigation by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force.
According to Task Force agent Det. Sgt. Adam Harris, the task force, initiated an investigation into Kundrat after a request from the East Fishkill Police in connection with a fatal auto crash in which cocaine-laced fentanyl was found.
Harris said the driver, who died in the crash, was found to have a white powder substance believed to be narcotics. DTF agents field-tested the substance and determined it to be both cocaine and fentanyl mixed.
An investigation by agents determined that Kundrart sold the victim the drugs, Harris said.
Kundrat was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance.
Kundrat was later arraigned in the Town of East Fishkill Justice Court and released as required by state law.
Harris said the crash investigation remains under investigation by the Town of East Fishkill Police Department, and more charges related to this case against Kundrat may be pending.
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force was assisted by the District Attorney’s Office and the Town of East Fishkill Police Department with the investigation.
"The Drug Task Force continues to warn members of the community that cocaine and other drugs are often contaminated or mixed with fentanyl and have been the source of numerous overdose deaths over the past several years in Dutchess County," Harris said.
Anyone with information regarding this case or about other individuals selling drugs in Dutchess County is urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or by emailing DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com.
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