Three Recent Convictions for Narcotics Possession or Sale with Significant Prison Sentences Imposed or Expected

On October 20, 2025, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler detailed the recent convictions of three (3) people for narcotics-related crimes:

• On October 15, 2025, Richard Almonte, 47, of the Bronx, was sentenced in Orange County Court to an aggregate term of eighteen (18) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of post-release supervision relative to his guilty pleas to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and Bail Jumping in the Third Degree.
• On October 15, 2025, Troy Wilson, 47, of Brooklyn, was sentenced in Orange County Court to six (6) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of post-release supervision relative to his guilty plea to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.
• On October 1, 2025, Johnnie Johnson, age 32, of the Bronx, pled guilty in Orange County Court to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. Under the plea agreement announced on the record at the time that Johnson pled guilty, it is expected that he will be sentenced to six (6) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of post-release supervision when he is sentenced on January 5, 2026.

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on February 22, 2022 at approximately 2:47 a.m., a New York State Police Trooper observed a vehicle being operated by Almonte on Interstate 84 in the Town of Newburgh without headlights on.  When the Trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Almonte threw a black bag out of the driver’s window before ultimately being stopped.  The police recovered the bag and located over 500 grams of cocaine inside.  After making several court appearances, Almonte failed to appear in court in July, 2022 and a warrant was issued.  On February 3, 2025 at approximately 3:30 p.m., members of the New York State Police and the Orange County Drug Task Force stopped Almonte’s vehicle and he was arrested on the outstanding warrant from 2022.  Inside of a bag by the defendant’s feet inside the car the police recovered nearly 300 grams of heroin and over 500 grams of cocaine.  At the plea proceedings, Almonte admitted to possessing over eight (8) ounces of cocaine in the 2022 case, over four (4) ounces of cocaine in the 2025 case, and to failing to appear as directed in the 2022 case.  Almonte has a prior felony drug conviction.

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, the New York State Police conducted a long-term investigation into narcotics sales in the City of Newburgh.  As part of the investigation, undercover officers made controlled purchases of narcotics from Troy Wilson out of a building in the City of Newburgh.  On February 28, 2025, the execution of a judicially-authorized search warrant of the building resulted in the recovery of narcotics, including both fentanyl and cocaine, a loaded AK-47 style rifle and a loaded revolver.  At the plea proceedings, Wilson admitted to possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it.  Wilson has eight (8) prior felony convictions.  Wilson’s co-defendant, James Price, was previously sentenced as a persistent violent felony offender to twelve (12) years to life.

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, the City of Middletown Police Department conducted a long-term investigation into the sale and possession of narcotics in and around the City.  As part of the investigation, an undercover police officer made several controlled purchases of narcotics from Johnson in February, 2024.  At the plea proceedings, Johnson admitted to selling cocaine.  Johnson has three (3) prior felony drug convictions.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the New York State Police, the Orange County Drug Task Force and the City of Middletown Police Department for their investigations which led to the arrests and convictions of the defendants.

“We are wholly committed to the prosecution of drug dealers because of the scourge narcotics poses to our communities,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Far too often we encounter recidivists who flaunt New York State’s permissive bail laws to continue to peddle their deadly product.  We will not halt in our pursuit of justice in these cases and will continue to dedicate whatever resources are necessary to hold these offenders accountable.  I thank our law enforcement partners for their joint commitment to these efforts, which have generated real and demonstrable results.”

The Almonte case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Alexis Gregory.  The Wilson case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Pietropaolo.  The Johnson case is being prosecuted by Chief Trial Assistant District Attorney Richard Moran. 

A criminal charge is merely an allegation 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.