Parents and Politicians Thank Harrison Cops for Heroin Bust

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HARRISON, NY – Parents, police and politicians met Tuesday to acknowledge the Harrison Police Department's work busting a drug ring selling tainted heroin that killed two residents last month.

Peter Rubinstein and John Greer, parents of the two who died, were joined by Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini, Mayor Ron Belmont, Senator George Latimer (D- Westchester) and Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-White Plains).

The Harrison Police Department had launched an intensive narcotics investigation following the separate deaths of the two, who were aged 26 and 29. One was found dead June 23 and the other June 24.

Their deaths are believed to be the result of tainted heroin, laced with Fentanyl, which can be fatal even at small doses.

Six people were arrested within days in connection with the deaths; a seventh was charged in July.

Rubinstein, the father of Mark Rubenstein, and Greer, the father of Lauren Greer, both spoke about the need to address addiction and thanked the police for their quick action and commitment to helping people with heroin addiction needs.

The two state legislators presented a Joint Proclamation from the Senate and Assembly, recognizing the department for its outstanding police and investigative work.

Latimer expressed his gratitude to the entire department.

“The Harrison Police Department, an integral part of our community, was called upon to address and investigate a horrific situation --- the drug related deaths of two young people. Under the leadership of Chief Marraccini, they immediately sprang into action; conducting an investigation, obtaining the necessary warrants, and bringing those involved with these deaths to justice,” Latimer said.

Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini said his department would relentlessly continue to pursue narcotic related investigations and was committed to assisting people who suffer from drug addiction to obtain the help they need to overcome their dependency.

"I think it is imperative that we look to obtain treatment for people that suffer from this horrible and devastating addiction," Marraccini said. "The Harrison Police Department is on the forefront in Westchester County for developing a program to get assistance and treatment for people that suffer from addiction without the threat of arrests or imprisonment. I also believe that arrest is not always the answer.”

As a community, Harrison is taking the necessary steps needed to address issues associated with this problem, which is a national crisis, Belmont said.

"The Town/Village of Harrison is committed to using all available resources as we work toward the prevention of death from opioid overdose,” he said.

In an effort to assist communities such as Harrison, the New York State Assembly and Senate passed a package of bills in June of this year to improve treatment as well as access to it, Latimer and Buchwald said.

The bills, which were signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, require health insurance companies to ensure coverage for opioid treatment, restricts the ability of health insurers to unfairly limit available treatment and medications, reduces the amount of prescription opioids in the community, and enhances and increases community and inpatient treatment services.

“As our state continues to combat the growing heroin epidemic, the investigative and tactical work of law enforcement remains a highly effective method for clamping down on drug dealers and abuse,” said Buchwald. “The Harrison Police Department’s efforts leading to the arrest of now seven suspects in connection to two heroin-related deaths is a testament to the work and spirit of our men and women in blue. I, along with Senator Latimer, am grateful to the Harrison Police Department and would like to congratulate Chief Marraccini and his officers for a job well done.”

Meanwhile, the investigation is ongoing, police said.

Charged and sent to Westchester County Jail were:

• Kacey Torpey, 33, of Harrison
• Rachael Brissett, 17, of Harrison
• Alexandra Derose, 22, of Mamaroneck
• and Bronx residents Jeffrey McCaskill, 27, Diamond Samuels, 32, Deshaun Hardaway, 27, and Justice Sabina, 33.

McCaskill was the primary dealer, police allege — and police believe he knew the heroin he was selling could be deadly.

More charges may be pending.

Residents are urged to contact the Harrison Police Department at 914-967-5111 with any suspected drug activity in their neighborhoods. All calls will be kept confidential.

RELATED:

• Tainted Heroin Kills 2; Harrison Cops Charge 6
  
• Harrison Police Make Additional Arrest in Tainted Heroin Deaths

PHOTO credit: Senate staff