'Operation Hot Lunch' Gun And Drug Trafficking Sting Defendant Gets 15 Years

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — Operation "Hot Lunch" has delivered another lengthy prison sentence in Orange County.

District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that 39-year-old Andre Smith, of Poughkeepsie, was sentenced on Tuesday, in Orange County Court, to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision after his guilty plea to criminal sale of a firearm.

On May 21, 2024, the now-famous, multi-jurisdiction sting followed a months-long investigation into firearm and narcotics trafficking, centered around a food truck in Newburgh. The operation, code named "Hot Lunch," resulted in 33 suspects being charged with narcotics, firearm, and conspiracy offenses.

SEE ALSO:

• 'Operation Hot Lunch' Food Truck Trafficking Sting: Latest Conviction
• Latest Defendant Admits Guilt In 'Operation Hot Lunch' Case
• Food Truck Trafficker In 'Operation Hot Lunch' Sting Admits Guilt
• Defendant Gets Prison In 'Operation Hot Lunch' Case
• Food-Truck Trafficking: 33 Accused In 'Operation Hot Lunch' By DA

"Sophisticated criminal organizations that traffic in guns and drugs pose a real and present danger to our communities," Hoovler said. "But we in law enforcement will not rest until those crime drivers responsible for these enterprises are identified and held accountable. Successful operations such as 'Hot Lunch' require the close coordination between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. This collaboration leads to excellent outcomes, like was seen in this case. I again commend the dedication of the police and prosecutors assigned to the case who delivered justice on behalf of the People of Orange County."

The six-month-long probe into illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking in Orange County was conducted by the Orange County Drug Task Force (OCDTF), the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, together with the Orange County District Attorney's Office, the City of Middletown Police Department, New York State Police, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center.

During plea proceedings, Smith admitted that between April 28, 2024 and May 8, 2024, he unlawfully sold three or more firearms to others.

"Individuals who knowingly traffic multiple firearms fuel violence and place entire communities at risk," Special Agent in Charge of the ATF NY Field Division Bryan DiGirolamo said. "This sentencing underscores the importance of sustained investigative efforts aimed at dismantling firearms and drug trafficking networks at their source. ATF New York remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside our partners at every level to stem the flow of illegal firearms and enhance public safety across our communities."