Beacon man arrested for allegedly selling fentanyl
DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Beacon man has been arrested following a drug sale investigation, according to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office. Jose Cruz, 22, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Additional charges are reportedly pending.
Cruz's arrest stems from an investigation conducted by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force into the sale of fentanyl and other drugs in the areas surrounding Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park. On March 25, the Drug Task Force alongside the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office took Cruz into custody in Hyde Park near Saint Peters School on Violet Avenue.
Police determined that Cruz was allegedly leaving for Miami, Florida later in the day on the date of his arrest, making it a priority of police to apprehend him before he left the area. Following his arrest, a search warrant was executed at Cruz’s home, where agents located fentanyl and cocaine packaged for sale, as well as an inoperable illegal handgun and a loaded ammunition magazine.
"Drug Task Force Agents are making a significant difference in our communities, and I commend their efforts to keep fentanyl and all dangerous narcotics out of our county and beyond." said Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati. "My office continues to support them and provide them the resources they need, including our Emergency Services Unit, Unmanned Aircraft Unit, our Detective Bureau and other specialty units under my command. Keep up the good work Drug Task Force!"
Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi said "No community is untouched by these dangerous drugs, but we are thankful to the vigilant members of our Drug Task Force who continue to fight to keep our community safe."
Cruz was arraigned at the Town of Hyde Park Justice court. He was then remanded to the Dutchess County Jail without bail.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Drug Task Force at (845)463-6040 or by sending an email to DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com.