'Operation Street Sweep' Bags 9 Felony Arrests in Coordinated Sting

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — After a coordinated effort to dismantle street-level drug trafficking operations, the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force has now wrapped up "Operation Street Sweeper," leading to nine felony arrests.

The "sweeping initiative" targeted narcotic and dangerous drug dealers operating across several jurisdictions in Dutchess County, according to Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony P. Parisi.

Officials said the operation focused on independent drug dealers responsible for funneling narcotics and dangerous drugs, including fentanyl and cocaine, into neighborhoods.

"These narcotics and dangerous drugs are fuels for the violent and property crimes, addiction, and fatal overdoses that have devastated hundreds of families across Dutchess County in recent years," the task force said in a statement announcing the operation on Wednesday. "Drug Task Force Agents acted swiftly and strategically over the past several months while conducting undercover operations purchasing fentanyl and cocaine and meticulously building cases against these dealers in the Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park and City of Beacon areas."

Beginning June 3, and continuing through June 10, the task force executed a series of coordinated search warrants, culminating in the felony arrests.

During the raids, agents seized fentanyl, cocaine, cash, digital scales, and drug packaging materials, according to the districty attorney.

"Operation Street Sweeper represents the focused, intelligence-driven enforcement that our communities deserve," DA Parisi said. "These arrests send a clear message: if you are pushing fentanyl, cocaine, or other deadly drugs into our neighborhoods, we will find you, we will investigate you, and we will hold you accountable."

In all, nine street dealers were arrested on felony charges in the sting, according to the district attorney's office.

• Donny Daniels, 56, was arrested by task force agents in the City of Poughkeepsie and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance.
• Jasmine Green, 27, was arrested by task force agents in the City of Poughkeepsie and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance.
• Ydde Gauthier, 53, was arrested by task force agents in the City of Poughkeepsie and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance.
• Luke Grady, 41, was arrested by task force agents in the City of Poughkeepsie and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance.
• Darius Wood, 50, was arrested by task force agents in the City of Poughkeepsie and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance
• Oliver Hassell, 34, was arrested by task force agents in the City of Poughkeepsie and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance
• Darren Atkins, 63, was arrested by task force agents in the City of Beacon and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance.
• Rashard Haile, 21, was arrested by task force agents in the City of Poughkeepsie and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance.
• Victor Smith, 66, was arrested by agents in the City of Poughkeepsie and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance.

All of the defendants are also facing additional charges by the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force related to Operation Street Sweep, according to the DA.

Parisi thanked the Drug Task Force for their "tireless work over the past several month executing this operation with precision." He also thanked the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Beacon Police Department, the City of Poughkeepsie Police, the Town of East Fishkill Police, the Town of Fishkill Police and the Town of Hyde Park Police for their critical support.

"We will continue to pursue drug dealers aggressively and invest in strategies that break the cycle of drugs, violence, and victimization in Dutchess County," Parisi said.

The DA encouraged anyone with information about this case, or about any others selling drugs in Dutchess County, to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or email tips to this address.