The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force is keeping its promise to continue to aggressively and rapidly investigate dangerous drug and narcotic dealers in Dutchess County. The following highlights investigations and arrests completed in January 2026.
Rashard Haile, age 25, from the City of Poughkeepsie was arrested by Drug Task Force Agents on 01/12/2026 following an ongoing investigation into dangerous drug and narcotic sales in the Poughkeepsie area. Drug Task Force Agents made purchases of narcotics from the defendant resulting in the current charges. Multiple charges are still pending related to this investigation. The defendant was charged with one count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, a class B felony, as well as charges related to his indictment by a Dutchess County Grand Jury related to this investigation. The defendant was remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center by the Dutchess County Court.
Michael Velez, age 38, and Stephanie Velez, age 34, were arrested on 01/14/2026 after Drug Task Force Agents made multiple purchases of narcotics from both Michael and Stephanie Velez. This investigation began after numerous complaints were made to the Drug Task Force regarding narcotic sales occurring out of 60 Carroll Street in the City of Poughkeepsie. The investigation resulted in the Drug Task Force 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. Both defendants were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, a class B felony. Both defendants were arraigned by the City of Poughkeepsie Court and later released. Multiple charges are still pending related to this investigation.
Tyrone Haskins, age 63, was arrested on 01/23/2026 at the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center resulting in an ongoing investigation related to narcotic sales by the defendant. The defendant was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd Degree, a class A-II felony.
Carl McLean, age 30, and Nykiem McLean, age 28, were arrested on 01/29/2026 after Drug Task Force Agents made multiple purchases of narcotics from both defendants. This investigation began after numerous complaints were made to the Drug Task Force regarding narcotic sales occurring out of 120 Hudson Ave in the City of Poughkeepsie. The investigation resulted in the Drug Task Force 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 Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th Degree, a class C Felony and later remanded to Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center by the City of Poughkeepsie Court. Nykiem McLean was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, a class B felony and later released by the City of Poughkeepsie Court.
The Drug Task Force is composed of investigators and agents from multiple law enforcement agencies, each contributing specialized expertise to a unified mission:
The Task Force extends its appreciation to the tactical and specialty units whose support was essential in executing high risk operations:
As with any criminal case, the charges described above are merely accusations, and those named are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
REPORT A DRUG DEALER
If anyone has information regarding these cases or about any other individuals selling drugs in Dutchess County, you are urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or by emailing your tips to Drugtaskforcetips@gmail.com.
