For More Information Contact:
Detective Sergeant Adam D. Harris, Drug Task Force Coordinator
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force reports the arrest of Bryan K. Whittle, age 47, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in first Degree a class A1 Felony, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd degree, a class C Felony. Mr. Whittle was arraigned at the Town of Lagrange Justice Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail without bail. Mr. Whittle is also on Federal Probation.
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force have been actively investigating drug dealers selling Fentanyl or any drugs mixed with Fentanyl due to the significant amount of drug overdose deaths in Dutchess County. The Drug Task Force identified a source of distribution for Fentanyl being sold in bags stamped with a Chicago Bulls logo which have been found at the scene of recent drug overdose deaths. After a lengthy investigation into drug sales in numerous locations in Dutchess County, a search warrant was executed by the Drug Task Force at Mr. Whittle’s residence at Country Commons in the Town of Pleasant Valley resulting in approximately 28 ounces of cocaine, fentanyl, and two loaded illegal ghost guns being seized. The Dutchess County Drug Task Force was assisted by the City of Poughkeepsie Neighborhood Recovery Unit.
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force is aggressively investigating drug dealers who sell dangerous drugs including Fentanyl. Fentanyl has been responsible for hundreds of overdose deaths in Dutchess County and has been found mixed with other drugs like crack cocaine and heroin. Investigations conducted by the Drug Task Force indicate many vulnerable community members suffering from addiction, travel to the Poughkeepsie area to purchase narcotics and other dangerous drugs. This includes residents from the Town of East Fishkill, City of Beacon, Town of Hyde Park, Town of Lagrange, Town of Pleasant Valley and many other communities.
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force is made up of Law Enforcement Investigators from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, City of Beacon Police, Town of Hyde Park Police, Town of East Fishkill Police, and City of Poughkeepsie. Police are working to prevent these senseless deaths by targeting drug dealers county wide by using all available law enforcement resources.
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force encourages the public to contact the Drug Tip Line at DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com or call 845-463-6040 and provide information on drug dealers in your neighborhoods and communities throughout Dutchess County.
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force encourages anyone seeking assistance with drug addiction or treatment to call the Dutchess County HELPLINE at 845-485-9700 or walk into the Stabilization Center at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie (845) 486-2849. This contact is available 24/7/365 to help you get connected to the services you need. You can also visit Dutchess County Government website at the following web address:
https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/alcohol-substance-use-services.htm
As with any criminal case, the charge described above is merely an accusation and both Bryan Whittle is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
