Officials: Dozens of suspects rounded up in raids as part of ‘largest gun trafficking case’ in Orange County history
Ten suspects were arraigned and are in Orange County Jail, according to online records which show they’re charged with conspiracy and accused of working together to sell guns and drugs.
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Prosecutors say more than 20 suspects were rounded up Tuesday in a series of raids as part of the “largest gun trafficking case in county history.”
Ten suspects were arraigned and are in Orange County Jail, according to online records which show they’re charged with conspiracy and accused of working together to sell guns and drugs.
Officials say the arrests were part of coordinated raids throughout Orange County.
News 12 first heard about the activity early Tuesday morning after receiving a tip from a viewer that agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were spotted at the Dan Leghorn Fire Department in the Town of Newburgh setting up a staging area.
Shortly after, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement saying deputies, along with federal, state and local officials were executing search warrants throughout the day.
News 12 viewers say a large group of law enforcement were seen at Squire Village apartments in New Windsor Tuesday around 8:30 a.m. Others said they saw raids in the City of Newburgh on Fullerton Avenue and City Terrace.
Prosecutors said in court that one suspect, Andre Smith, was nabbed at John F. Kennedy International Airport while trying to escape.
Authorities say a total of at least twenty suspects were rounded up and that a large number of guns, drugs and cars were seized. They say more arrests are on the way.
“Take the guns off the streets. That’s what we need,” said one man News 12 spoke to in Newburgh.
Several county residents say they’re glad to hear about the crack down on crime.
“Let’s hope they get them,” says Paul Garzione. Clean it up. They got to.”
Law enforcement are planning to disclose additional information about the case next Wednesday during a news conference.
