DRUG TASK FORCE – OPERATION SILENT NIGHT NETS 6 FELONY DRUG SALE ARRESTS
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force initiated Operation Silent Night in early October in an attempt to aggressively investigate and arrest drug dealers before the holidays. The Drug Task Force is well aware of the
havoc an overdose or loss of life can cause family and friends of loved ones suffering from the proliferation of drug addiction. The sole purpose of this aggressive operation was to disrupt the flow of dangerous narcotics in Dutchess County by holding street-level dealers accountable. This approach leads to a reduction in narcotics available to vulnerable community members. The issue of drug abuse and its devastating consequences, including overdose deaths, has become a significant public health concern for Dutchess County.
When Operation Silent Night was initiated by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, Agents went to work quickly identifying dealers peddling dangerous narcotics in the Town of Lagrange, Town of Hyde Park, Town of Poughkeepsie, and the City of Poughkeepsie. Seven suspects were identified and Drug Task Force Agents made more than 20 narcotics purchases from these targets who were operating independent of one another in Dutchess County. During Operation Silent Night a loaded illegal handgun, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, proceeds from the sales of narcotics, and packaging and distribution materials were seized. On 11/28/23 Drug Task Force Agents began taking these individuals into custody with the last arrest being made on 12/07/23. One suspect is still at large and will be apprehended. The arrests are outlined below:
11/29/23 – Ricard West, Age 32. Charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3
rd degree, a
class B Felony. Ricard West was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Justice Court and remanded to the
Dutchess County Jail without bail.
11/29/23 – Tahiem Patterson, Age 25. Charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3
rd degree
and, a class B Felony and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd degree (loaded handgun). Tahiem
Patterson was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Justice Court and remanded to DCJ on
$50,000/$150,000/$300,000.
12/4/23 – John Smith, Age 41. Charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3
rd degree, a class
B Felony. John Smith was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Justice Court and released to the supervision
of Dutchess County Probation.
12/04/23 – James Morgan, Age 27. Charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3
rd degree, a
class B Felony. James Morgan was arraigned in Town of Hyde Park Court and released to reappear on a later
date.
12/04/23 – Anne Adams, Age 34. Charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree, a
class B Felony. Anne Adams was arraigned in the Town of Pleasant Valley Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail without bail. *Town of Poughkeepsie case.
12/07/23 – Spencer Green, Age 46. Charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree, a class B Felony. Spencer Green was arraigned in the Town of Hyde Park Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail without bail. *Town of Poughkeepsie case.
Press Release DUTCHESS COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE
Drug Task Force Coordinator
Detective Sergeant Adam D. Harris
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force conducts investigations, executes search warrants, and arrests individuals involved in selling dangerous and often deadly narcotics. By minimizing the number of drug dealers on the street the end result is the availability of narcotics becomes more difficult. The Drug Task Force works hand in hand with the Dutchess County District’s Attorney’s Office Narcotics Bureau who are comprised of talented prosecutors dedicated to the Drug Task Force mission.
Please enjoy the holidays with your families and friends and seek treatment for drug addiction before it is too late.
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force was assisted in this investigation by the District Attorney’s Office, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau, City of Poughkeepsie Police Neighborhood Recovery Unit,Patrol Bureau and K-9 Unit, Hyde Park Police Department, and the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Detective Division.
As with any criminal case, the charges described above are merely an accusation and those individuals named in this release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
