In February, a significant interstate drug investigation conducted by the Orange County Drug Task Force made headlines. The primary focus of the investigation was the distribution of cocaine in and around the Town of Wallkill. The investigators had meticulously worked for several months before making their move towards the end of February.
Refresher on Interstate Narcotics Investigation
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After conducting an undercover investigation for several months, agents from the Orange County Drug Task Force were able to obtain search warrants to raid homes in Wallkill and Montague, New Jersey. The investigation revealed that the drugs were being transported from Montague to Wallkill, where they were sold.
During the search of the residences, law enforcement officials uncovered around 150 grams of cocaine, a defaced handgun, and $28,000 worth of U.S. currency. As a result, they apprehended two suspects who were later identified as 23-year-old Ronald Lempka of Middletown, NY, and 29-year-old Keanu Alicea of Montague, NJ.
After facing charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and other related offenses, Lempka and Alicea were remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail.
New information on this case has recently come to light, bringing us to the present day. If you’re interested in reading our original coverage of this story, you can follow the link below.
New Information on Narcotics Investigation
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office, has recently released a press statement, where D.A. Hoovler declared that Ronald Lempka and Keanu Alicea have agreed to plea deals, resulting in the conclusion of the investigation.
Lempka and Alicea have both pled guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree. As part of their agreement, the prosecution has recommended a nine-year prison sentence followed by five years of post-release supervision. The court has limited the defendants’ prison sentences to a maximum of seven years.
As part of the disposition, it is anticipated that the defendants will surrender any profits or tools used in their crimes. Furthermore, the defendants are slated to appear in court again on September 18, 2024, for the purpose of their sentencing.
In addition, D.A Hoovler issued a statement regarding the investigation and reiterated his office’s resolve to combat the problem of narcotics trafficking.
My Office will continue to dedicate resources to the types of long-term narcotics investigations that result in arrests and convictions such as seen in this case. We must continue to counter the deadly spread of drugs in our communities. We remain steadfast in our dedication to identify drug dealers and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Hoovler expressed his gratitude towards the law enforcement agencies from New York and New Jersey who actively participated in the investigation. The release ended on this note of appreciation.