GOSHEN – In the last four years, over 100 people died each year from drug overdoses, most often from fentanyl-laced heroin or cocaine, and Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler predicts that as many as 140 people will die this year from the drug.
He warned people not to buy oxycodone pills online or from individuals, because most are counterfeit and will kill.
The DA also took state elected officials to task for adopting bail reforms. If someone sells a narcotic that causes a death, the seller will only be charged with drug sales and be released on an appearance ticket.
“In New York, in the unintended consequence of bail reform is simply that 99 percent of all drug crimes are not bail eligible. It’s simply you get arrested, you get an appearance ticket, you’re in and you’re out. Your criminal history doesn’t matter, nothing matters,” he said. “I understand that the individuals in our legislature and in New York City; they are done with the war on drugs. I understand where they are at with it. The problem is it is killing a tremendous amount of people in this county.”
Hoovler said the problem is more prevalent in the urban areas – Newburgh, Port Jervis and Middletown – than in the suburban and rural areas.
Port Jervis City Mayor Kelly Decker, himself a former police officer, said the state legislature should reexamine bail reform based on common sense.
State Assemblyman Colin Schmitt (R, New Windsor) said the governor should call an emergency session of the legislature immediately to repeal and replace this “failed law.”
County Executive Steven Neuhaus said at least when people facing drug offenses are incarcerated on bail, they can be availed of treatment and counseling programs to help them turn their lives around.
