GOSHEN – The man said to be behind the Operation Hot Lunch scheme was sentenced in Orange County Court to 15 years in state prison following his guilty pleas to operating as a major trafficker and conspiracy.
Owen Beckford, also known as Marvin Ottley, 55, of Newburgh, was one of 26 people charged with narcotics, firearm and conspiracy offenses in what is believed to be the largest narcotics and gun trafficking case in Orange County history.
A six-month investigation involved several law enforcement agencies and resulted in the May 2024 arrests and seizure of 31 firearms, over 12 kilos of cocaine, fentanyl, ammunition, cash, scales and drug packaging materials.
District Attorney David Hoovler said the operation “stands as an example of the incredible work that can be accomplished by a dedicated team of investigators and prosecutors who aim to protect our communities from the devastation caused by narcotics and illegal firearms.”