Orange County drug sweep results in 11 people charged

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Alleged drug dealers facing charges by Orange County DA David Hoovler.

ORANGE COUNTY – Eleven people are facing drug charges after a lengthy multi-department investigation, according to Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler.  The arrests were announced on Friday, June 10, 2022.

The arrests are part of a multi-agency investigation and enforcement action conducted by the Orange County Drug Task Force, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Town Police in New Windsor and Wallkill, and the City of Port Jervis Police Department, assisted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center and the City of Newburgh Police Department.

Over the course of the past several months, according to Hoovler, undercover investigators purchased quantities of narcotics including crack and heroin, from individuals in and around the City of Newburgh and the Town of Wallkill. 

Nine of the defendants were arrested and charged with crimes including criminal sale of a controlled substance for the sale of narcotics to undercover police officers. Two of those charged, Mackensie Arias, 22, and Rahjeem Russell, 26, are wanted on arrest warrants for charges including criminal sale of a controlled substance.  Hoovler’s office is seeking the public’s assistance in the apprehension of Arias and Russell.  Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of either man should contact their local law enforcement agency, Hoovler pleaded

Hoovler expressed his frustration with legislation that has “handcuffed” prosecutors. “In 2019, ‘bail reform’ legislation was enacted that severely limits the courts’ ability to set bail for offenses involving narcotics sales.  In narcotics sweeps in Orange County prior to the legislation, some bail was set by the court for almost all defendants charged with selling narcotics.  Although the District Attorney’s Office has requested bail in every bail-eligible case, to date only two of the defendants charged were held on bail in connection with the enforcement action.”

The defendants in the latest widespread drug investigation are:

Arias Mackensie 22 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Crack/Cocaine
Cotten William 27 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Crack/Cocaine
Russell Rahjeem 26 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Crack/Cocaine
Robinson Lamont 36 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Crack/Cocaine
Leid Donald 28 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Crack/Cocaine
Williams Devin 25 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Crack/Cocaine
Holmes Charles 70 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Crack/Cocaine
Williams Kashon 28 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Crack/Cocaine
Cromartie Aljean 20 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Crack/Cocaine
Garcia Damien 43 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Crack/Cocaine
Barrett Rasheed 28 Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree Heroin

“Intelligence and information gathered from narcotics operations, such as this one, helps to solve other crimes and is a key component in our overall criminal justice strategy,” said District Attorney Hoovler. “Despite bail reform legislation that has prevented courts from setting bail in most instances on drug dealers, my office will continue to pursue these actions and see the cases through to their conclusion.  That includes seeking lengthy prison sentences where appropriate.  The goal is to make and keep our streets safe and to maintain order.  We will not let the proliferation of drugs in our community go unchecked.” 

Orange County Undersheriff Kenneth Jones weighed in on the drug sweep. “This case and its results show the commitment of the Sheriff’s Office and our law enforcement partners to remain resolute in seeking out and arresting those persons who choose to sell narcotic drugs in Orange County.  Enforcement of laws against dealers prevents deaths.”




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