Drug Task Force – Town Of Poughkeepsie Narcotics Dealer Apprehended

The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force began an investigation after information was obtained that a local taxi driver was selling narcotics out his residence on Van Wagner Road and while operating a taxi service.

Drug Task Force Agents identified the taxi driver as Howard J. Nugent, age 52 and began to purchase narcotics (cocaine) from him in several areas within the Town of Poughkeepsie and other jurisdictions in Dutchess County.  Drug Task Force Agents made multiple purchases of cocaine from Mr. Nugent resulting in a search warrant being obtained.

On 04/15/2025 Drug Task Force Agents along with members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit (SWAT), the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, and the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit were conducting surveillance in the area of 106 Van Wagner Road.   Mr. Nugent was then observed leaving 106 Van Wagner Road in his vehicle and traveling south onto Taft Ave.   A marked Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services vehicle attempted to stop Mr. Nugent in his vehicle when he accelerated away striking an unmarked Sheriff’s Office vehicle before leaving the roadway and striking a light pole.   Mr. Nugent was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Members of the Drug Task Force then immediately executed a raid of Mr. Nugent’s residence pursuant to the search warrant resulting in the seizure of large quantities of cocaine packaged for sale.  In addition, cocaine packaged for sale was recovered concealed within the vehicle Mr. Nugent was operating at the time of the crash.

Mr. Nugent was charged with the following:

(2) Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, intent to sell, a class B Felony.

(1) Count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, (weight), a class B Felony. *Numerous charges related to the sale of narcotics are pending against Mr. Nugent related to this investigation.  

Mr. Nugent was processed at the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office before being held at the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department pending his arraignment.  On 04/16/25 Mr. Nugent was arraigned by the Town of Poughkeepsie Justice Court and released to the supervision of probation as required by New York State Law.  
The Drug Task Force continues to work to prevent violent crime which is fueled by the sale of narcotics and dangerous drugs in Dutchess County.     

The Drug Task Force was assisted by the District Attorney’s Dangerous Drug and Violent Crimes Unit, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau, the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit and the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department.

If anyone has information regarding this case 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.

As with any criminal case, the charges described above are merely an accusation and those individuals named in this release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.