POUGHKEEPSIE – A sweeping series of raids led by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force has resulted in the arrest of nine people accused of dealing cocaine and fentanyl across the region. The initiative, dubbed Operation: DC Powder Outage, was launched in response to a surge of overdoses tied to cocaine laced with fentanyl — a deadly synthetic opioid fueling the overdose crisis nationwide.
Tackling a Deadly Surge
Task Force Coordinator Detective Sergeant Adam Harris said the operation targeted an immediate threat to public safety.
“Undercover task force agents conducted rapid undercover purchases and operations that led to the arrests, drug seizures, and the disruption of a dangerous supply chain in multiple areas in Dutchess County,” Harris explained. “We are rapid in our response and relentless in our pursuit of those who are poisoning our community, and we will continue to bring suspected drug dealers to justice.”
How the Raids Unfolded
Over several weeks, undercover agents executed search warrants with the assistance of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Service Unit (SWAT), City of Poughkeepsie Police, and Town of Hyde Park Police.
Authorities seized significant quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and mixtures of both drugs, along with cash, scales, drug packaging materials, and other evidence connected to drug distribution.
“These enforcement actions directly removed lethal narcotics from circulation and targeted dealers at all levels which all fuel overdoses in Dutchess County,” Harris said.
District Attorney Weighs In
Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi emphasized the growing threat fentanyl poses.
“Fentanyl continues to be the deadliest threat facing our communities, and when it is mixed with cocaine, the danger is multiplied,” Parisi said. “Operation DC Powder Outage represents the kind of swift, coordinated action that saves lives by taking lethal drugs off our streets and holding dealers accountable.”
Those Arrested
The following individuals were taken into custody and charged with felony criminal sale and/or possession of a controlled substance. Their arrests occurred between August 11 and August 27, 2025:
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Lamar Johnson, 38 – Arrested August 11; released to the supervision of Dutchess County Probation.
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Oliver T. Hassell, 35 – Arrested August 13; remanded to Dutchess County Jail.
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Rashard Haile, 22 – Arrested August 15; remanded to Dutchess County Jail.
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Gill Graves, 65 – Arrested August 13; remanded to Dutchess County Jail.
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Alfredo Schontten, 52 – Arrested August 14; released to probation supervision.
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Christopher Fryar, 22 – Arrested August 13; released to probation supervision.
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Amanda M. Crain, 39 – Arrested August 12 on Main Street in Poughkeepsie; remanded to Dutchess County Jail.
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Jessica M. Ostrom, 44 – Arrested August 27; released to probation supervision.
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Vincent Lieggi, 60 – Arrested August 20; remanded to Dutchess County Jail.
Community Impact
With nine arrests and multiple supply lines cut, law enforcement officials believe the operation has dealt a significant blow to the local drug trade. The swift coordination between county, city, and town agencies highlights a broader effort to protect residents from the dangers of fentanyl-laced narcotics.
As the fight against the opioid crisis continues, authorities say they will remain vigilant, responding quickly to any sign of new threats.
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