ROCKLAND COUNTY DA DRUG TASK FORCE SEARCH WARRANT IN POMONA RESULTS IN ARREST OF SUSPECT AND SEIZURE OF FENTANYL PILLS AND COCAINE

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today the arrest of Richard Fernandez, 40 of Pomona, New York following a five-month investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force into narcotics sales in the Town of Haverstraw. Fernandez has been charged with the Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree and four counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

On November 20, 2024, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force executed a court authorized search warrant at Fernadez’s residence in Pomona, NY. Investigators recovered cocaine, fentanyl pills, and other pharmaceutical pills during the search.

District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said, "Just two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal to an individual depending on a person’s body size. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, and its illegal distribution has directly contributed to the opioid epidemic, which has had devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities across our country. My Office is committed to helping individuals who are suffering from substance abuse get the treatment they need, and we are dedicated to holding those accountable for trafficking these deadly substances."

The Rockland County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force mission is to combat the trafficking of controlled substances and street-level narcotics in Rockland County by working in cooperation with local police departments, and with state and federal agencies. The RCDAO Drug Task Force is staffed by highly trained Rockland County DA investigators, officers from Rockland police departments, and seasoned prosecutors.

The investigation was conducted by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force with assistance from the Town of Haverstraw Police Department, Orangetown Police Department, Clarkstown Police Department, and the Rockland County REACT Team.

Fernandez was arraigned in Town of Haverstraw Justice Court by the Honorable George G. Coffinas on November 20, 2024.

The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic and Senior Assistant District Attorney John Longo.

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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