POMONA, N.Y. — A five-month investigation into narcotics sales in the Town of Haverstraw culminated in the arrest of a Pomona man and the seizure of fentanyl pills, cocaine, and other drugs, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced Tuesday.
Richard Fernandez, 40, has been charged with the criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree and four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, following the execution of a court-authorized search warrant at his residence on November 20.
During the search, investigators from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force recovered cocaine, fentanyl pills, and additional pharmaceutical drugs, according to officials.
“Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, and its illegal distribution has directly contributed to the opioid epidemic,” Walsh said in a statement. “My office is committed to holding those accountable for trafficking these deadly substances.”
The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Haverstraw, Orangetown, and Clarkstown Police Departments, as well as the Rockland County REACT Team. Fernandez was arraigned on the same day in Haverstraw Justice Court by Judge George G. Coffinas.