Drug Task Force Nabs Elusive Second Suspect In Drug, Gun Case

EAST FISHKILL, NY — A second suspect who eluded police following a Dutchess County drug sting is now in custody.

The Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force says that it has been continuing to investigate narcotic and dangerous drug sales in various locations, including the East Fishkill and Poughkeepsie areas.

On Dec. 20, Drug Task Force agents, along with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Unit and the Town of East Fishkill Police Department, executed a search warrant at a home on Robinson Lane in the Town of East Fishkill. An illegal firearm, ammunition, and over two kilograms of cocaine were seized. Rahmel P. Garraway, 31, was taken into custody and was charged with felony second degree criminal possession of a weapon, loaded firearm; felony third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, intent to sell; and felony third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was later arraigned in the Town of East Fishkill Justice Court and remanded to Dutchess County Jail without bail.

The second suspect, 32-year-old Michael S. Birney, a City of Poughkeepsie resident, was also determined to be using the Robinson Lane address in the Town of East Fishkill to store, manufacture, and distribute narcotics. Drug Task Force agents began searching for Birney after he was not found when the search warrant was executed in December.

On Jan. 5, Drug Task Force agents received information from the community that Birney was walking on a sidewalk in the area of Hooker Avenue and South Hamilton Street. Agents responded to the area and arrested Birney without incident.

Birney was also charged with felony second degree criminal possession of a weapon, loaded firearm; felony third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, intent to sell; and felony third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

He was later arraigned in the Town of East Fishkill Justice Court and remanded to Dutchess County Jail on $150,000 cash, $750,000 bond, or $1,000,000 partially secured bond.

If anyone has information about this case or about any others selling drugs in Dutchess County, they are urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or to send an email to this address.