Pomona, NY – A five-month investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force culminated in the arrest of Richard Fernandez, 40, of Pomona, NY, and the seizure of fentanyl pills, cocaine, and other drugs from his residence. The operation targeted narcotics sales in the Town of Haverstraw and underscores ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Rockland County.
Fernandez has been charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree and four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree.
On November 20, 2024, the Drug Task Force executed a court-authorized search warrant at Fernandez’s Pomona residence. Investigators recovered:
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl pills
- Additional pharmaceutical pills
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II highlighted the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for countless deaths nationwide. “Just two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, depending on a person’s body size. Its illegal distribution has fueled the opioid epidemic, devastating individuals, families, and communities. My office remains committed to providing support for those battling substance abuse while holding traffickers accountable.”
The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force works with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat the trafficking of controlled substances. This collaborative approach involves:
- Rockland County Police Departments
- The Rockland County REACT Team
- Highly trained investigators and seasoned prosecutors
In this case, the Town of Haverstraw Police Department, Orangetown Police Department, Clarkstown Police Department, and the REACT Team provided critical support.
Fernandez was arraigned in the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court on November 20, 2024, by Judge George G. Coffinas. The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic and Senior Assistant District Attorney John Longo.
This operation highlights the DA’s commitment to disrupting the illegal drug trade and addressing the broader opioid epidemic affecting the region.