Newburgh, NY– Sheriff Paul Arteta reports that the Orange County Drug Task Force (OCDTF) has completed an operation that resulted in the seizure of a Fentanyl Lab in the City of Newburgh. According to Arteta, the Drug Task Force conducted a months-long investigation into the sale of deadly fentanyl in the City and its surrounding area. This investigation culminated on March 5th when the Orange County Special Operations Group executed a search warrant on Liberty Street in the City’s south end. That search resulted in the recovery of over four ounces of fentanyl, cutting compounds, packaging material, a mechanical mixing device, and what is believed to be a sedative additive. It is alleged that Kelvin Lagares, who is currently under the supervision of Federal Probation for narcotics charges, was distributing narcotic products in the Newburgh area.
Lagares, 34, was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a class A-1 Felony and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B Felony. He was arraigned and remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail. It is anticipated that additional charges will be applied.
The OCDTF had assistance in this investigation from the Newburgh City Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CC-SERT). CC-SERT is a team of specially trained NYS Troopers who respond to crime scenes with environmental dangers to investigating officers and render those scenes safe.
Sheriff Arteta thanked the NYSP and CC-SERT for their skill and professionalism, allowing investigators to operate safely. Regarding the case, Arteta stated, “I am extremely proud of the work done by our Orange County Drug Task Force. This team successfully apprehends criminals who show complete disregard for the lives of innocent families and children in our communities. The production, mixing, or distribution of illegal drugs—especially fentanyl and other substances that pose severe risks—will never be tolerated in Orange County. I will continue supporting and providing the resources the Orange County Drug Task Force needs to hold these criminals accountable.”
District Attorney Hoovler said “The deadly spread of fentanyl can only be disrupted by dedicated, long-term narcotics investigations,” Hoovler added “I commend the efforts of the Orange County Drug Task Force, whose dangerous work helps to uncover drug dealers in our communities. The fight against the poisonous spread of drugs remains one of the highest priorities of my Office.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office urges citizens to report any illegal drug activity.
To report a tip, please contact:
Orange County Sheriff’s Office – by email at OCNYSheriff@orangecountygov.com or by phone at 845-291-7929
Orange County DA CrimeStoppers Tip Submission Online:
https://www.orangecountygov.com/FormCenter/DA-19/Orange-County-DA-CrimeStoppers-Tip-Submi-73
A criminal charge is merely an allegation by the police that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
