GOSHEN – A Newburgh man was sentenced to 13½ years in state prison for his role in a large-scale narcotics trafficking operation that authorities said distributed cocaine and firearms throughout Orange County.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced that Dwayne Salmon, 46, was sentenced Monday in Orange County Court after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance. He will also serve five years of post-release supervision.
Prosecutors said Salmon was among 26 people arrested as part of “Operation Hot Lunch,” a multi-agency investigation into drug and gun trafficking that culminated in enforcement actions in May 2024.
“The success of Operation Hot Lunch is a testament to the power of cooperation and coordination amongst local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies,” Hoovler said. “We remain committed to dedicating the resources necessary to run long-term investigations that disrupt the flow of deadly narcotics and weapons into our communities. The sentence imposed on this defendant is yet another example of the consequences that dangerous offenders face when they choose to commit their crimes in Orange County.”
According to authorities, the six-month investigation uncovered multiple narcotics and firearms conspiracies centered on Salmon’s brother, Kirkland Salmon. Investigators alleged that cocaine was distributed through a food truck operated in the City of Newburgh and that firearms were trafficked for resale throughout Orange County.
At his plea proceeding, Dwayne Salmon admitted possessing eight ounces or more of cocaine as part of the conspiracy.
Authorities said the investigation led to the seizure of 31 firearms, more than 12 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 90 grams of fentanyl, $45,000 in cash, ammunition, high-capacity magazines, 10 vehicles and a food truck.
The investigation involved the Orange County Drug Task Force, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York State Police, several local police departments and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
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