Ulster Makes 1st Fatal OD-Related Homicide Arrest

MARLBOROUGH, NY — Following a long-term investigation into the sale of heroin and cocaine in the Marlborough area, Ulster County said it has — for the first time — arrested and charged a drug dealer with homicide resulting from a fatal overdose. Authorities said Monique S. Dibble, 33, of Marlboro, sold heroin laced with fentanyl to a Plattekill woman who died from an overdose

Members of the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT) made the announcement Thursday of Dibble's arrest.

In May 2018, Celina Maldonado, 25, of Plattekill, died from a heroin overdose, the Ulster County Sheriff's Office said. URGENT's investigation found she OD'd on heroin that contained the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl which was purchased from Dibble.

Over several months, investigators began attempts to infiltrate Dibble's narcotics sale network.

In early 2019, URGENT, with assistance from the New York State Police, said its members began purchasing heroin and cocaine from Dibble, with the final purchase made recently.

Authorities said, in three instances, the heroin that was purchased also contained fentanyl, based on preliminary field testings.

Investigators said they also were able to get evidence directly linking Dibble to the sale of the heroin from which Maldonado overdosed.

Dibble was taken into custody Aug. 20 and charged with felony criminally negligent homicide, as well as several felony counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

She was arraigned in the Town of Marlborough Court and sent to the Ulster County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail or $100,000 bond, pending further court proceedings.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges may be filed.

URGENT was assisted by the state police Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team.

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