Hudson Valley Cocaine Trafficking Ring Takedown Leads To 10 Arrests: AG James

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A major trafficking operation has been taken off the board, according to authorities.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the takedown of a drug trafficking ring that distributed cocaine across the Hudson Valley.

Investigators with the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) said members of the drug trafficking operation coordinated meetings to distribute and resell cocaine throughout Ulster and Orange counties. The investigation recovered more than one kilo of cocaine with an approximate street value of $30,000, and over $12,500 cash in proceeds from illicit narcotics sales, according to the AG.

Ten were arrested and nine arraigned in Ulster County Court for their roles in the drug trafficking operation.

"Drug trafficking rings flood our streets with dangerous narcotics and put our communities in serious danger," James said. "This takedown marks another big step forward in our efforts to dismantle the web of trafficking rings that threaten New Yorkers' safety. I thank my partners in law enforcement for their continued efforts to protect our communities."

The investigation began in November 2024 and included hundreds of hours of physical and covert surveillance, wiretapping of cellphones, and review of phone records and law enforcement databases. Electronic surveillance found that the defendants and their co-conspirators often used coded and cryptic terminology in text messages and phone calls in an attempt to disguise their illicit activities, such as referring to cocaine using various food terms like "pizza," "pies," and "water."

The indictment alleges two schemes, both centered around Michael Felicello, who operated an illegal cocaine distribution network in and around Ulster and Orange counties. The first scheme charges Felicello, along with Jorge Lee, Lawrence Falcetta, Michael Brown, Jose Garcia, and Ernesto Reyes Rodriguez, Jr. The second scheme charges Felicello, along with Eric Oremus, John Dangelo, Joshua Mintz, and Deborah Foster.

The first scheme involved Felicello sourcing his cocaine from Lee, according to the allegations. On at least one occasion, Felicello met Lee at RMC Trucking in Orange County, where Felicello works, to source the cocaine, according to the AG. Felicello also sourced cocaine from Lawrence Falcetta at Falcetta's home in Ulster County, and from Michael Brown at various locations in and around Newburgh, investigators allege.

Brown would often meet with Felicello near the deli where he worked as a cook, according to the allegations. Brown sourced the cocaine he sold to Felicello from Garcia, who transported the cocaine to Brown from Garcia's home in Orange County, investigators said.

Falcetta also sourced cocaine from Lee during meetings at Falcetta's Ulster County home, according to the charges. Reyes Rodriguez, Jr. also sold cocaine on behalf of Lee, the investigation concluded.

The second scheme involves allegations by the investigators that after obtaining cocaine from his suppliers, Felicello would redistribute that cocaine to various customers, including Oremus, Dangelo, Mintz, and Foster, some of whom were redistributors. Felicello used the RMC Trucking parking lot to sell cocaine to customers, according to the charges.

On one occasion, on March 15, law enforcement seized half an ounce of cocaine from Garcia when he was traveling to meet with and supply Brown, who would supply the cocaine to Felicello, according to law enforcement. Within minutes of this seizure by law enforcement, Garcia returned to his home to get more cocaine to fulfill the order made by Brown, investigators said.

"Drug trafficking has a direct impact on the safety and quality of life of the communities we serve. This investigation demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together, share resources, and remain focused on holding those who profit from the illegal drug trade accountable," said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. "I commend the dedicated work of our State Police members and all of our law enforcement partners whose efforts led to these arrests and the disruption of this drug trafficking operation."

The 153-count indictment charges the 10 defendants with felony narcotics offenses, including counts of felony criminal sale of a controlled substance, as well as conspiracy to commit those crimes. The defendants convicted on the top count of felony criminal sale of a controlled substance face up to 20 years in prison, according to the Attorney General's Office.

Those charged in the indictment include:

• Michael Brown, 53, of Newburgh, Orange County;
• John J. Dangelo, II, 53, of Wallkill, Ulster County:
• Lawerence A. Falcetta, JR., 53, of Marlboro, Ulster County;
• Michael P. Felicello, 51, of Marlboro, Ulster County;
• Deborah A. Foster, 70, of Marlboro, Ulster County;
• Jose A. Garcia, 57, of Newburgh, Orange County;
• Jorge Lee, 48, of Marlboro, Ulster County;
• Joshua A. Mintz, 41, of Highland, Ulster County;
• Eric S. Oremus, 56, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County;
• Ernesto R. Rodriguez, JR., 25, of Marlboro, Ulster County.

The takedown was the result of a joint-investigation led by the OCTF in collaboration with the Ulster County Sheriff's Office, the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT), and the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit.

Attorney General James thanked the Ulster County District Attorney's Office, the New York State Police Troop F Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team, the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Town of Marlborough Police Department, the Town of New Windsor Police Department, the Town of Newburgh Police Department, and the City of Newburgh Police Department for their assistance throughout the investigation.

"I would like to commend the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team, the New York Attorney General's Office Organized Crime Task Force, and all the agencies involved in this joint operation for their continued dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe," Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said. "This operation is yet another example of the hard work, perseverance, and collaboration demonstrated by the men and women in the streets on the front lines in the fight against illegal narcotics trafficking. We will continue to work collaboratively with our local, state, and federal partners to identify and hold accountable those who profit from illegal narcotics trafficking."