POUGHKEEPSIE – Two senior citizens have been arrested by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force for selling deadly drugs. The investigation also led to the recovery of a large quantity of drugs in multiple locations.
Poughkeepsie residents Ronald Bernard, 62, and his alleged accomplice, Sandra Flemming, 66, have been charged with felony criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
A lengthy investigation led to multiple search warrants being executed by the drug task force in the Town of Wappinger and the City of Poughkeepsie, and the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics which included heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. In addition to the narcotics seized, an illegal handgun was recovered as part of this investigation, according to the drug task force.
Bernard was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail without bail. Fleming was released with an appearance ticket for a future court appearance.
Drug Task Force Detective Sergeant Adam Harris issued an advisory after the raid. “The public should be aware that Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can often be lethal in small doses. Illegal drugs, for example, heroin, are often contaminated with Fentanyl, which is substantially more potent than morphine and has resulted in several overdose deaths in Dutchess County.”
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force was assisted by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration White Plains Tactical Diversion Squad.
If anyone has information about this case or other individuals selling drugs, the task force urges people to contact the confidential tip-line at 845-463-6040 or email the tips to DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com.
