WALLKILL, NY — Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced the successful conclusion of a significant narcotics investigation resulting in guilty pleas from two men involved in cocaine trafficking. On June 24, 2024, Ronald Lempka, 23, of Middletown, NY, and Keanu Alicea, 29, of Montague, NJ, pleaded guilty in Orange County Court to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree.
The pleas are part of a plea agreement where the prosecution will recommend sentences of nine years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. However, the court has capped the sentencing at seven years. Additionally, both defendants are expected to forfeit any proceeds or instrumentalities related to their criminal activities.
This case stemmed from a months-long undercover investigation that targeted the trafficking of cocaine between Montague, NJ, and the Town of Wallkill, NY. Law enforcement officers executed several search warrants, leading to the seizure of about 150 grams of cocaine, over $28,000 in cash, and a defaced handgun. During the plea proceedings, Lempka and Alicea admitted to selling at least half an ounce of cocaine.
District Attorney Hoovler expressed gratitude towards the various law enforcement agencies involved, including the Orange County Drug Task Force, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and several other local and state agencies. He emphasized the importance of dedicated investigations in disrupting high-level narcotics trafficking and reaffirmed his office’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes.
The sentencing for Lempka and Alicea is scheduled for September 18, 2024. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexis Gregory.
