15 Accused of Selling Drugs in Orange County

Authorities charged 15 with selling cocaine and crack cocaine in Orange County and around the Hudson Valley.

According to the federal indictment, Juan Beniquez, Justin Beniquez, Oscar Boria, Jr., Elijah Cabrera, Willis Caldwell, Anthony Crum, Derek Degroat, Anthony Fields, Denise Flores-Jacobson, Collyer Goodman, Alan King, Lieunigel Lewis, Durann Rollins, Damon Wheeler, and Linda Williams allegedly conspired to sell cocaine and crack cocaine from around 2015 until August 2016.

Juan Beniquez, Justin Beniquez, Degroat, Fields, Flores-Jacobson, King, Lewis, Rollins, and Williams are accused of selling 280 grams or more of crack cocaine.

Juan Beniquez, Boria, Cabrera, Caldwell, Crum, Goodman, and Wheeler allegedly conspired to sell 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Beniquez is also accused of selling drugs while in possession of a firearm.

During the course of the investigation, several defendants allegedly sold cocaine and crack cocaine to informants working with authorities.

“As alleged, the fifteen men and women charged today were part of a drug distribution network that peddled large quantities of powder and crack cocaine in and around Orange County,” U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated.

Officials say court-authorized wiretaps were used in which the defendants talked about trafficking and selling drugs.

"When we take out the alleged leaders of one conspiracy, unfortunately there are more people waiting to take over. However, our determination to stop the drug trade from having an impact on communities won’t go away," FBI Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge George Ennis said. "The next group waiting to take over should take this case as a warning that their actions will be met with severe consequences.”

All 15 face 10 years to life in prison if convicted.