NYC-Based Dealer Admits Role In Hudson Valley Drug Trafficking Syndicate: DOJ

ULSTER COUNTY, NY — A special drug and gang task force in Ulster County is disrupting criminal organizations with a reach far beyond the Hudson Valley, according to the DOJ.

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III; William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New York; and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, whose office leads the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team, announced that 48-year-old Cecilio Wareham, of Queens, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Earlier this year, in April, ten defendants, including Wareham, were indicted for their roles in drug trafficking organizations that distributed over 11 kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of grams of cocaine base in and around Kingston, and other areas of Ulster County, according to the feds.

"URGENT and our partnering agencies remain committed to protecting Ulster County from the destructive impact of narcotics trafficking," Figueroa said. "This case highlights the strength of interagency cooperation and the dedication of our investigators. We will continue to pursue those who bring illegal drugs into our neighborhoods and ensure they are brought before the justice system."

Through the execution of search warrants in Ulster County and other enforcement actions, law enforcement seized over five kilograms of cocaine and 270 grams of cocaine base.

As part of his guilty plea, Wareham admitted to supplying his co-conspirator, Greg Tejada, with cocaine for redistribution, including over two kilograms of cocaine that were seized from Tejada in October 2024.

When Wareham is sentenced on February 26, he faces a prison term of at least 10 years and up to life, a fine of up to $10 million, and a supervised release term of at least five years and up to life.

"This guilty plea sends a clear and unequivocal message: we will aggressively dismantle the drug-trafficking networks that threaten the safety of our communities," Sarcone said. "Our work is far from finished, but this case proves that those who choose to spread dangerous narcotics will face decisive accountability. I strongly commend our federal, state, and local partners for their unwavering dedication and coordination throughout this investigation."

The remaining defendants were all charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, with the following terms of imprisonment upon conviction:

• Damon Dunn, aka "Moe," 48, Tilson, 10 years to life
• Aidan White, 23, Kingston, 5 years to 40 years
• Kristine Scibelli, 41, Middletown, 5 years to 40 years
• Raymond Robinson, 53, Kingston, up to 20 years
• Greg Tejada, aka “Bear, 48, Highland Lakes, New Jersey, 10 years to life
• Richard Johnson, 35, Manhattan, 10 years to life
• Kevin Dunn, 52, Manhattan, 5 years to 40 years
• Xavier Patterson, aka "Xay," 28, Manhattan, 5 years to 40 years
• Allen McGraw, aka "Snoop," 44, Utica, up to 20 years

In addition, Dunn, Robinson, Tejada, Scibelli, Patterson, and Johnson were charged with distribution of a controlled substance. White and Dunn were charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The case is being investigated by HSI; the Ulster County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement and Narcotics Team; the FBI, and New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, Valhalla.

"This plea is the result of a sustained, collaborative investigation aimed at dismantling criminal networks that traffic dangerous drugs into our communities," HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel said. "HSI New York and our law enforcement partners will continue to target the supply chains, distributors, and organizations responsible for fueling addiction and violence. Our efforts will remain relentless as we work to safeguard the public."