8 Accused Of Weapons, Drug Charges In Newburgh

NEWBURGH, NY — Eight people were accused Wednesday of illegal weapons and drug charges in relation to an investigation into the death of a taxi driver in Newburgh.

Jorge Arbayza De La Cruz, 51, of Newburgh, was found lying in the street just before 9 p.m. Sept. 30 after police received a report about shots fired.

Police said De La Cruz was on duty driving a cab for Express Taxi when he was attacked by a group of armed people in what was described as a violent robbery.

On Wednesday, a search warrant was executed by the Orange County Sheriff's Special Operations Group at an apartment on Liberty Street.

Authorities said, once inside the residence, investigators found three loaded firearms along with 336 grams of PCP.

Jamal Miller, 20, of Newburgh, Delatheon Moore, 34, of Brooklyn, Syheem Johnson, 23, of Newburgh, Ernest G. Elliot III, 18, of Newburgh, and Louise Peterson, 45, of Newburgh, were charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony.

Justice Jackson, 19, of Newburgh, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony.

Tyrell Simon, 20, of Newburgh, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, felonies.

Jahmeek Miller, 18, of Newburgh, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a weapon, felonies.

Everyone except for Peterson, Jackson and Simon were issued appearance tickets for future arraignment.

Peterson, Jackson and Simon were arraigned and released in the City of Newburgh City Court.

Officials said the search warrant was developed from the investigation into the killing of De La Cruz, but none of the charges are related to the homicide itself.