Operation 'DC Powder Outage' Sting Nabs 9 Drug Suspects: DA Drug Task Force

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — A weekslong targeted drug trafficking investigation has led to nine arrests, according to law enforcement officials

The District Attorney's Drug Task Force announced the completion of "Operation DC Powder Outage," an investigation that aimed to disrupt the distribution of cocaine and fentanyl throughout Dutchess County.

The operation was launched in response to a recent surge in overdoses linked to cocaine laced with fentanyl. Acting on intelligence received by Drug Task Force agents, the task force conducted rapid undercover purchases and operations that ultimately led to nine arrests, drug seizures and the disruption of the supply chain countywide, according to the DA.

"Fentanyl continues to be the deadliest threat facing our communities, and when it is mixed with cocaine, the danger is multiplied," District Attorney Anthony Parisi said. "Operation DC Powder Outage represents the kind of swift, coordinated action that saves lives by taking lethal drugs off our streets and holding dealers accountable. I commend the Drug Task Force and our law enforcement partners for their tireless work and dedication to protecting the people of Dutchess County."

Search warrants were executed by agents of the drug task force with the assistance of the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Emergency Service Unit (SWAT), in the City of Poughkeepsie and the Town of Hyde Park. During the operation, agents seized cocaine, fentanyl, cocaine mixed with fentanyl, drug sale packaging, and scales related to the sale and distribution of drugs in Dutchess County, law enforcement officials said.

The task force worked in collaboration with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Patrol and Detective Bureaus, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the City of Beacon Police Department, the Town of Hyde Park Police Department, the Town of East Fishkill Police Department, the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the Town of Fishkill Police Department and the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit, according to the task force's leadership.

Officials said nine dealers were arrested by the Drug Task Force and charged with felonies.

• Lamar Johnson, 38, was arrested on Aug. 8, and later released to the supervision of probation.
• Oliver T. Hassell, 35, was arrested Aug. 13, and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail.
• Rashard Haile, 22, was arrested Aug. 15, and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail.
• Gill Graves, 65, was arrested Aug. 13, and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail.
• Alfredo Schontten, 52, was arrested Aug. 14, and later released to the supervision of probation.
• Christopher Fryar, 22, was arrested on Aug. 13, and later released to the supervision of probation.
• Amanda M. Crain, 39, was arrested on Aug. 12, and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail.
• Jessica M. Ostrom, 44, was arrested on Aug. 27, and released to the supervision of probation.
• Vincent Lieggi, 60, was arrested on Aug. 20, and remanded to Dutchess County Jail

Anyone who has information about the case, or about any others selling drugs in Dutchess County, is being urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040, or by email tips to this email address.