District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced the completion of a five-month investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force into narcotics sales across several areas, including the Village of Spring Valley, Town of Haverstraw, and Town of Ramapo.
The investigation culminated in the indictment and arrest of five individuals accused of selling crack cocaine and powder cocaine in Rockland County. The defendants, identified as Jose Pena of Garnerville, Mario Amaya of Spring Valley, Daquan Leary of Suffern, Eric Hayden of Pomona, and Jonathan Albizures of Spring Valley, face charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.
“I commend the professionalism and thorough investigation conducted by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force,” said DA Walsh. “The arrest and indictments of these alleged drug dealers are a critical step in our ongoing fight to protect our residents and keep the community safe. The collaboration between our office and local, state, and federal partners ensures that those responsible for illegal narcotics sales are held accountable.”
DA Walsh also emphasized the importance of addressing addiction in the community, highlighting the Hope Not Handcuffs program. “To anyone struggling with addiction, help is available,” he stated. “Any individual dealing with substance abuse can walk into any Rockland County police station, ask for the ‘Hope Not Handcuffs’ program, and receive assistance—no questions asked. An ‘angel’ volunteer from the Hudson Valley team will connect them with a treatment plan.”
The Rockland County Drug Task Force is dedicated to combating open-air and street-level narcotics dealing in the region. Its team includes experienced prosecutors, investigators from the District Attorney’s Office, and police officers from the Clarkstown, Orangetown, and Haverstraw Police Departments, who collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies to address drug distribution and related violence.
Senior Assistant District Attorney John Longo and Assistant District Attorney Korrine Torres are prosecuting the case.