Drug Dealer With Defaced Gun Located After Fleeing U.S.: Police

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A Dutchess County man, who police said fled the country after being accused of having illegal drugs and a stolen handgun, was located and arrested in Brooklyn Nov. 17.

The New York State Police said Anthony M. Beckford, 27, of Poughkeepsie, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by the Dutchess County Court.

Police said, in February 2019, Beckford was charged with six counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree criminal possession of a defaced weapon and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, all felonies.

After being arrested and released, Beckford fled from the country to avoid prosecution, police said.

Continued investigation by the state police and the Westchester County FBI Safe Streets task force determined Beckford had returned to the United States and was found in Brooklyn.

He was transported to the Dutchess County Jail pending a future appearance in the Dutchess County Court.