Yearlong Undercover Multi-Agency Probe Culminates In Arrest Of Dealer: DA

CITY OF PORT JERVIS, NY — A multi-agency sting has disrupted drug sales in one Hudson Valley city, according to authorities.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, Port Jervis Police Department Chief William Worden and Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta announced the arrest of 46-year-old Andre Roach, of Forestburgh, for first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. The charges stem from a yearlong investigation into narcotics dealing in and around Port Jervis.

According to court documents, Roach sold over two ounces of cocaine to another person for an undisclosed amount of cash.

"The solemn responsibility to protect our community from the influx of dangerous drugs is one assumed by law enforcement agencies throughout Orange County," Hoovler said. "On these issues and many others, we work collaboratively to pursue these investigations because we are far too familiar with the devastating effects that illicit drugs have on our citizens. My office will continue to dedicate all available resources to the apprehension and prosecution of those who engage in the sale of narcotics and attempt to profit from others' addiction."

District Attorney Hoovler thanked all of the law enforcement agencies who collaborated during the investigation, including the City of Port Jervis Police Department, the Orange County Drug Task Force, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Town of Montgomery Police Department, and the Town of Deerpark Police Department.

"We find that a small number of persons are responsible for the majority of illegal drugs present in our city," City of Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden said. "We strive to identify and focus our investigative, patrol, and community resources to disrupt these persons and their illicit trafficking operations. This case demonstrates yet another example of effective, collaborative work between multiple law enforcement agencies to address narcotics trafficking across our region. People who make the choice to peddle deadly, highly addictive drugs in the City of Port Jervis will be identified and investigated, regardless of the geographical area where they operate. Our partnerships exemplify law enforcement’s answer to this issue."

"As Sheriff, my priority is protecting our families and holding accountable those who traffic in dangerous narcotics," Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta said. "This case demonstrates the dedication of every agency involved and our unwavering resolve to confront the individuals who threaten the safety and stability of our communities."