Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced that eight individuals have been arrested following a six-month investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force into crack cocaine sales in Nyack, Spring Valley, and Haverstraw.
The investigation resulted in the indictment and arrest of Maurice “Rich” Jones, 30, of Nyack; Gregory “Braille” Diaz, 53, of Nyack; Tyrone “Black” Stewart, 34, of Nyack; Frantz “E” Beauvais, 38, of Nyack; Steve “Boogs” Barthole, 39, of Spring Valley; Tory “Cory” Means, 40, of Spring Valley; Larnell “Flea” Fortere, 34, of Valley Cottage; and Kim Vasquez, 45, of New York City. Each has been charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.
Stewart, Beauvais, Barthole, Means, Fortere, and Vasquez were arraigned before Judge Kevin F. Russo, while Jones and Diaz appeared before Judge Djinsad Desir.
“This investigation shows the continuing commitment of our Task Force in protecting our community,” said District Attorney Walsh. “The success of these eight arrests is a testament to their hard work.”
The Drug Task Force is made up of investigators from the District Attorney’s Office along with officers from the Clarkstown, Orangetown, Stony Point, Spring Valley, and Haverstraw Police Departments. The Task Force also works closely with federal, state, and other local law enforcement partners to combat narcotics distribution and related violence across Rockland County.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney John Longo and Assistant District Attorney Eleanor Reilly.
Authorities emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.