Another Member of Major Drug Ring Sentenced to Prison

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Romell “Mel” Hearn, 46, has been sentenced to prison for his role in a large drug trafficking ring that operated across several Hudson Valley counties, authorities confirmed Monday.

Part of Multi-County Drug Network

Hearn was one of seven individuals arrested in January following a lengthy investigation led by the New York State Attorney General’s Office (OAG). The probe, which ran from October 2023 through August 2024, uncovered a network distributing narcotics in Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties.

According to investigators, Hearn played a central role as a significant supplier of cocaine, fentanyl, and oxycodone in the Poughkeepsie area. His activities were tied to a larger organization that prosecutors say fueled the illegal drug trade in the region.

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, he accepted a plea agreement with prosecutors. Under the deal, Hearn pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy, felony criminal sale of a controlled substance, and criminal possession of a weapon.

These charges reflected not only his role in trafficking dangerous narcotics but also his possession of a firearm, which prosecutors argued heightened the threat posed by his criminal activity.

Sentencing Details

On Monday, Dutchess County Court Judge Edward McLoughlin sentenced Hearn to:

12 years in prison for the felony drug sales conviction
3½ to 7 years for the weapons possession charge
2 to 4 years for the conspiracy conviction

The judge ordered that the sentences be served concurrently, meaning Hearn will serve a maximum of 12 years behind bars. In addition, he will remain under five years of post-release supervision following his incarceration.

Prosecution

Assistant Attorney General Scott Johnson prosecuted the case on behalf of the state. Officials have emphasized that the sentencing represents another step in dismantling a major narcotics operation that had been supplying multiple counties in the Hudson Valley.