POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – A Dutchess County jury has convicted Damian Cunningham, 40, of Mount Vernon, on felony drug charges after one of the fastest trials in recent county history. Cunningham’s conviction stems from his March 2024 arrest during a New York State Attorney General’s Office investigation into a major narcotics trafficking ring.
Part of a Larger Drug Trafficking Probe
Cunningham was one of seven individuals indicted as a result of the statewide investigation. His case moved quickly through the court system, culminating in a two-day trial that ended with guilty verdicts on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
Originally represented by a Westchester attorney, Cunningham was later assigned Poughkeepsie defense attorney Kelley Enderley after his initial lawyer was relieved from the case.
Arrest and Seizure of Cocaine
On March 7, 2024, investigators observed Cunningham in Poughkeepsie before he traveled southbound on the Taconic State Parkway. According to testimony, investigators initiated a traffic stop near the Westchester County border.
During the stop, officers noticed what appeared to be a packaged “brick” of drugs inside the vehicle. Instead of cooperating, Cunningham refused to exit the car and fled south. While attempting to escape, he allegedly threw the package out of the vehicle before being intercepted and stopped by troopers a short distance later.
Investigators recovered the discarded package, which was later confirmed to contain one kilogram of cocaine.
Swift Trial and Conviction
Jury selection for Cunningham’s case began on Monday, August 11, 2025, with opening arguments the following day. Assistant Deputy Attorney General Scott Johnson, a former Dutchess County prosecutor, handled the case at trial.
By Thursday, August 14, the jury returned guilty verdicts, convicting Cunningham on four felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance – cocaine.
Sentencing Scheduled
Dutchess County Court Judge Edward McLoughlin has scheduled sentencing for October 17, 2025. Cunningham faces significant prison time for his role in the narcotics trafficking case.
Key Points
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Defendant: Damian Cunningham, 40, of Mount Vernon
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Charges: Four felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance (cocaine)
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Evidence: One kilogram of cocaine recovered after Cunningham threw it from his car during a police pursuit
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Trial: Jury returned guilty verdicts just two days after opening arguments
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Sentencing: Scheduled for October 17, 2025, before Judge Edward McLoughlin
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