Attorney General James Announces Takedown of Hudson Valley Cocaine Trafficking Ring

September 30, 2026

NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the takedown of a drug trafficking ring that distributed cocaine across the Hudson Valley. An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) found that members of the drug trafficking operation coordinated meetings to distribute and resell cocaine throughout Ulster and Orange counties. The investigation recovered more than one kilogram of cocaine with an approximate street value of $30,000 and over $12,500 cash in proceeds from illicit narcotics sales. 10 individuals were arrested and nine were arraigned in Ulster County Court before Judge Bryan E. Rounds for their roles in the drug trafficking operation.

"Drug trafficking rings flood our streets with dangerous narcotics and put our communities in serious danger," said Attorney General James. "This takedown marks another big step forward in our efforts to dismantle the web of trafficking rings that threaten New Yorkers' safety. I thank my partners in law enforcement for their continued efforts to protect our communities."

The investigation began in November 2024 and included hundreds of hours of physical and covert surveillance, court-authorized wiretapping of cellphones, and review of phone records and law enforcement databases. Electronic surveillance revealed the defendants and their co-conspirators frequently used coded and cryptic terminology in text messages and phone calls in an attempt to disguise their illicit activities, such as referring to cocaine using various food terms like "pizza," "pies," and "water."

The indictment alleges two schemes, both centered around Michael Felicello, who operated an illegal cocaine distribution network in and around Ulster and Orange counties. The first scheme charges Felicello, along with Jorge Lee, Lawrence Falcetta, Michael Brown, Jose Garcia, and Ernesto Reyes Rodriguez, Jr. The second scheme charges Felicello, along with Eric Oremus, John Dangelo, Joshua Mintz, and Deborah Foster.

The first scheme alleges that Felicello sourced his cocaine from Jorge Lee. On at least one occasion, Felicello met Lee at RMC Trucking in Orange County, where Felicello works, to source the cocaine. Felicello also sourced cocaine from Lawrence Falcetta at Falcetta's residence in Ulster County, and from Michael Brown at various locations in and around Newburgh, Orange County. Brown would often meet with Felicello near the deli where he worked as a cook. Brown sourced the cocaine he sold to Felicello from Jose Garcia, who transported the cocaine to Brown from Garcia's residence in Orange County. Falcetta also sourced cocaine from Jorge Lee, often meeting at Falcetta's Ulster County residence. The scheme further alleges that Ernesto Reyes Rodriguez, Jr. also sold cocaine on behalf of Jorge Lee.

The second scheme alleges that after obtaining cocaine from his suppliers, Felicello would redistribute that cocaine to various customers, including Eric Oremus, John Dangelo, Joshua Mintz, and Deborah Foster, some of whom were redistributors. Felicello used the RMC Trucking parking lot to sell cocaine to customers.

On one occasion, on March 15, 2026, law enforcement seized half an ounce of cocaine from Garcia when he was traveling to meet with and supply Brown, who would supply the cocaine to Felicello. Within minutes of this seizure by law enforcement, Garcia returned to his residence to get more cocaine to fulfill the order made by Brown.

Cocaine seized in the investigation

The 153-count indictment charges the 10 defendants with felony narcotics offenses, including various counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (a class A-I felony), Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree (a class A-II felony), additional counts of Criminal Sale and Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (class B felonies), as well as Conspiracy to commit those crimes. Defendants convicted on the top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Those charged in the indictment include:

• Michael Brown, 53, of Newburgh, Orange County;
• John J. Dangelo, II, 53, of Wallkill, Ulster County;
• Lawerence A. Falcetta, JR., 53, of Marlboro, Ulster County;
• Michael P. Felicello, 51, of Marlboro, Ulster County;
• Deborah A. Foster, 70, of Marlboro, Ulster County;
• Jose A. Garcia, 57, of Newburgh, Orange County;
• Jorge Lee, 48, of Marlboro, Ulster County;
• Joshua A. Mintz, 41, of Highland, Ulster County;
• Eric S. Oremus, 56, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County; and
• Ernesto R. Rodriguez, JR., 25, of Marlboro, Ulster County.

This takedown was the result of an extensive joint-investigation led by OCTF in collaboration with the Ulster County Sheriff's Office (UCSO), Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT), and the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Attorney General James would like to thank the Ulster County District Attorney's Office, the New York State Police Troop F Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team, the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Town of Marlborough Police Department, the Town of New Windsor Police Department, the Town of Newburgh Police Department, and the City of Newburgh Police Department for their assistance throughout the investigation.

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

"Drug trafficking has a direct impact on the safety and quality of life of the communities we serve. This investigation demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together, share resources, and remain focused on holding those who profit from the illegal drug trade accountable," said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. "I commend the dedicated work of our State Police members and all of our law enforcement partners whose efforts led to these arrests and the disruption of this drug trafficking operation."

"I would like to commend the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team, the New York Attorney General's Office Organized Crime Task Force, and all the agencies involved in this joint operation for their continued dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe," said Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa. "This operation is yet another example of the hard work, perseverance, and collaboration demonstrated by the men and women in the streets on the front lines in the fight against illegal narcotics trafficking. We will continue to work collaboratively with our local, state, and federal partners to identify and hold accountable those who profit from illegal narcotics trafficking."

The investigation was led by URGENT investigators who were under the supervision of URGENT Detective Sergeant Christopher Heimink and URGENT Detective Lieutenant Joseph Stock, and OCTF Detective David Walsh, under the supervision of Detective Supervisor Bradford Miller, Assistant Chief Ismael Hernandez and Deputy Chief Andrew Boss. Special assistance was provided by OAG's Special Operations Unit, which is a part of the Investigations Bureau. The OAG's Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Investigator Oliver Pu-Folkes.

The case is being prosecuted by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Scott Johnson with the assistance of OCTF Legal Support Analyst Gianna Morano, under the supervision of Downstate OCTF Deputy Chief Lauren Abinanti. Nicole Keary is the Deputy Attorney General in Charge of OCTF. Both OCTF and the Investigations Bureau are part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux.