11 Face Federal Charges For Selling Heroin, Crack Cocaine In Hudson Valley
A federal investigation led to the arrest of 11 for allegedly selling heroin and crack cocaine in the Hudson Valley.
On Wednesday in Southern District of New York Court, three indictments were unsealed charging 11 members of three separate drug trafficking organizations in Sullivan County with selling heroin and crack cocaine.
In a coordinated operation, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested seven people in Sullivan County. Three remain at large. One other person was previously arrested.
“This case is part of our continuing effort in the Hudson Valley area to eradicate the tragic loss of life that is so closely associated with those involved in the drug trade,” FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. stated. “Heroin is killing more people in this country than ever before, and the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force is doing everything we can to stop these dealers from using this potentially lethal drug so they can make money.”
According to the indictment, 37-year-old Rosheen Hillard, Jermaine Drayton, 40, 29-year-old Jesenia Fields and 35-year-old Leon Fountain were charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin from at least 2013 through December 2016.
Their drug dealing organization was led by Hillard and mostly operated in Sullivan County, officials say.
Avery Aubain, 23, 36-year-old Katrina Bridges, Paul Hershewsky, 38, 23-year-old Tyrell Ivory, Jesse Krebs, 27, and 43-year-old William Somers allegedly conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin from at least 2013 through May 2016.
The drug organization, led by Aubain, are accused of selling heroin in the Village of Liberty and other locations in Sullivan County.
Acting alone, Terry Covington was also charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine in and around Sullivan County.
“Every day, in communities around the country, we witness the devastating effects of the heroin trade,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated. “With today’s charges, made possible by the work of the FBI and our local law enforcement partners, we seek to help stem the flow of heroin and crack cocaine in Sullivan County.”
All 11 face a maximum of life in person.