POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Drug Task Force (DCDTF) continued their aggressive and rapid investigation of dangerous drug and narcotic dealers in Dutchess County in January and closed out the month with several arrests. The following highlights investigations and arrests completed in January 2026:
Rashard Haile, 25, from the City of Poughkeepsie, was arrested by DCDTF agents on January 12, 2026, following an ongoing investigation into illegal drug and narcotic sales in the Poughkeepsie area. Agents made purchases of narcotics from the Haile, resulting in the current charges. Multiple charges are still pending related to this investigation. Haile was charged with one felony count of criminal sale of a controlled substance, as well as charges related to his indictment by a Dutchess County Grand Jury related to this investigation. He was remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center by the Dutchess County Court.
Michael Velez, 38, and Stephanie Velez, 34, were arrested on January 14, 2026, after DCDTF agents made multiple purchases of narcotics from both Michael and Stephanie Velez. This investigation began after numerous complaints were received by the DCDTF regarding narcotic sales occurring out of 60 Carroll Street in the City of Poughkeepsie. The investigation resulted in the DCDTF obtaining a search warrant, which was executed at the location with the assistance of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit (SWAT) and the Poughkeepsie Joint SWAT team. Both defendants were charged with felony criminal possession of a controlled substance, and multiple charges are still pending. Both defendants were arraigned by the City of Poughkeepsie Court and later released.
Tyrone Haskins, 63, was arrested on January 23, 2026, at the Dutchess County Jail as part of an ongoing investigation related to narcotic sales by Haskins. He was charged with felony criminal sale of a controlled substance.
Carl McLean, 30, and Nykiem McLean, 28, were arrested on January 29, 2026, after DCDTF agents made multiple purchases of narcotics from both defendants. This investigation began after the DCDTF received numerous complaints from the community regarding narcotic sales occurring out of 120 Hudson Ave in the City of Poughkeepsie. The investigation resulted in the DCDTF obtaining a search warrant, which was executed at this location with the assistance of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit (SWAT) and the Poughkeepsie Joint SWAT team. Carl McLean was charged with felony criminal possession of a controlled substance, arraigned, and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail. Nykiem McLean was charged with felony criminal sale of a controlled substance, arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Court, and released to appear at a later date.
The Drug Task Force is composed of investigators and agents from multiple law enforcement agencies, each
contributing specialized expertise to a unified mission:
- Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office – 1 Supervisor, 3 Investigators
- District Attorney’s Office – 1 Legal Secretary, 1 K9 trained in narcotics detection
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – 1 Agent
- City of Beacon Police Department – 1 Investigator
- Town of East Fishkill Police Department – 1 Investigator
- City of Poughkeepsie Police Department – 1 Investigator
- Town of Hyde Park Police Department – 1 Investigator
- Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department – 1 Investigator
- Town of Fishkill Police Department – 1 Investigator
The DCDTF is routinely assisted by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office ESU (SWAT) and the Poughkeepsie Joint SWAT, who provide support during high risk operations, according to Detective Sergeant Adam Harris.
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