On January 28th, 2026, the Orange County Special Operations Group executed multiple search warrants in the City of Newburgh as a result of a several-month-long investigation conducted by the Orange County Drug Task Force (OCDTF) for the sale and possession of illegal controlled substances. It is alleged by OCDTF Investigators that, after the execution of the search warrants, three individuals were arrested, and investigators seized $34,718 in U.S. currency and approximately 560 grams of cocaine. All three individuals were arrested and processed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division on the following:
- Ulee J. Johnson (46) was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 1st Degree, an A-1 Felony. Mr. U. Johnson was arraigned at Newburgh City Court and remanded to the Orange County Correctional Facility.
- Jaddon U. Johnson (25) was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree, a B-Felony. Mr. J. Johnson was arraigned at Newburgh City Court and released on his own recognizance to return to court at a later date.
- Arcadio J. Morales (45) was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree, an A-Misdemeanor. Mr. Morales was issued an appearance ticket to return to court for arraignment at a later date.
Sheriff Arteta commended all the law-enforcement officers, investigators, and agencies involved, saying, “Operations involving narcotics carry inherent risks for law-enforcement professionals. I am proud of the skill and unity our members and those of our partnering agencies demonstrate each time they successfully
remove dangerous drugs from our community.” The success of this investigation is a direct result of collaboration within the Orange County Drug Task Force, which comprises members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the City of Port Jervis Police Department, the Town of Montgomery Police Department, and the Town of Woodbury Police Department. The Orange County Drug Task Force would also like to acknowledge the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, as well as the City of Newburgh Police Department, for their assistance in this investigation.
“Significant drug interdiction operations require the experience and expertise of professionals like those investigators on the Orange County Drug Task Force,” said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “We pursue these investigations because of the terrible consequences these poisons cause in our communities. We remain committed to rooting out and bringing to justice those drug dealers who put their own financial gain ahead of the safety of our neighbors.”
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.
Felony Drug Arrest Photo
