Multiple Suspects Arrested, Illegal Handgun, Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine Seized

The Dutchess County Drug Task Force reports making multiple arrests and seizing dangerous drugs and an illegal handgun after search warrants were executed in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie.

The Dutchess County Drug Task Force has been actively investigating the sale of fentanyl and crack cocaine in the Dutchess County area.  As a result of this investigation, two search warrants were executed by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force with the assistance of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit.  During the execution of the warrants on 07/18/2023, a loaded illegal handgun was seized as well as a large quantity of Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine. The following individuals who reside in the City of Poughkeepsie were arrested as a result of the search warrants executed by the Drug Task Force:
 

1. Phillip Stephens – Criminal Possession of Weapon – Loaded Firearm, a class C Felony offense
   Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, a class B Felony
    
2. William Moore - Felony warrant held by the New York State Police
    
3. Marisol Rivera - Felony warrant held by the City of Poughkeepsie Police
    
4. Michelle Butler - Felony warrant held by the New York State Police

Phillip Stephens is being held by the Drug Task Force pending his arraignment in City Court later this morning. All other suspects were turned over to the agencies that held the warrants of arrest.

The Drug Task Force was assisted by the City of Poughkeepsie NRU and NYSP. 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 sending an email to the following web address: DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com.   As with any criminal case, the charges described above are merely an accusation, and Phillip Stephens is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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