POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – A Dutchess County man who played a key role in a multi-county drug trafficking network has been sentenced to prison following a sweeping investigation led by the New York State Attorney General’s Office (OAG).
Background of the Case
Romell “Mel” Hearn, 46, was among seven people arrested in January 2024 after investigators uncovered a large-scale operation distributing drugs across Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster counties. The investigation ran from October 2023 through August 2024 and targeted suppliers responsible for moving dangerous narcotics throughout the Hudson Valley.
Authorities identified Hearn as a significant supplier of cocaine, fentanyl, and oxycodone in the Poughkeepsie area, making him a central figure in the case.
Charges and Plea Deal
Hearn initially faced more than three dozen felony charges and entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment. However, in March 2025, he reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Under the deal, Hearn pleaded guilty to:
-
Felony conspiracy
-
Felony criminal sale of a controlled substance
-
Criminal possession of a weapon
This agreement significantly narrowed the charges while ensuring a lengthy prison term.
Sentencing
On Monday, Dutchess County Court Judge Edward McLoughlin sentenced Hearn to:
-
12 years in prison for the drug sales conviction
-
3½ to 7 years for the weapons charge
-
2 to 4 years for the conspiracy charge
The sentences will be served concurrently, meaning Hearn will serve a total of 12 years behind bars, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
Prosecution and Public Safety Message
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Scott Johnson, who emphasized the significance of removing a high-level supplier from the community.
State and county officials have repeatedly highlighted the dangers of fentanyl and other opioids, which continue to fuel overdose deaths across New York. Authorities say the dismantling of this network represents a major step in reducing the flow of deadly substances into Hudson Valley neighborhoods.
Larger Investigation
Hearn’s sentencing is the latest development in the broader case involving six other defendants tied to the trafficking ring. Additional prosecutions remain underway, and authorities have signaled their commitment to pursuing all members involved.
The Attorney General’s Office said the case underscores the importance of multi-agency cooperation in tackling drug-related crime, pointing to the joint efforts of state investigators, local police departments, and county law enforcement agencies.
Leave a Reply