New York City Man Faces up to 10 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree

 Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Tarrell Hicks, age 33, of New York City, pled guilty in Orange County Court to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree.  Under the terms of the plea agreement that was placed on the record at the time that Hicks pled guilty, the District Attorney’s Office will recommend that he be sentenced to ten (10) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of post-release supervision when he returns to court on June 24, 2024. 

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, members of the City of Middletown Police Department began an investigation into narcotics sales by Hicks and his brother, Mitchell.  As part of the investigation, undercover officers made controlled buys of cocaine from both Hicks brothers on dates in the Fall of 2023.  When Hicks was arrested in December 2023, officers recovered a quantity of narcotics from his person.  At the plea proceedings, Hicks admitted to acting individually and in concert with his brother to sell a half-ounce or more of cocaine in November 2023.  Mitchell Hicks previously pled guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree as well and is pending sentence.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Middletown Police for their investigation and the arrest of the defendants.

“This defendant’s guilty plea is a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice against those who seek to poison our communities with illicit drugs,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “We simply will not tolerate the exploitation of our neighborhoods for profit, and we will hold accountable all who choose to engage in such reprehensible behavior.  I commend the City of Middletown Police Department for their unwavering dedication to protecting our community and their collaboration with my Office has been instrumental in the ongoing efforts to dismantle drug dealing networks in Orange County.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexis Gregory.

This criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.