Newburgh, NY– On March 20th, The Orange County Drug Task Force arrested Kiaje Paulk, age 30, of Newburgh, on charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd degree, a class” A-2” felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree, a class “B” felony. It is alleged that Paulk sold more than one-half ounce of crack cocaine to an undercover agent during a six-month investigation. Paulk was brought before the Centralized Arraignment Part and remanded to the Orange County Jail. Sheriff Arteta commented, “The bottom line is that people who make the choice to sell illegal narcotics in our communities blatantly disregard the well-being of others. They must face consequences that hopefully deter others from choosing to sell drugs and prevent those caught doing so from reoffending.” The Newburgh City Police Department, The Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center, The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office assisted the Orange County Drug Task Force with this investigation.
“It is only through the persistent, coordinated and fearless long-term investigation by law enforcement that we can disrupt the flow of narcotics into our community,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “I applaud the efforts of the Orange County Drug Task Force whose work resulted in this arrest. Drug dealers who choose to commit their crimes in Orange County should know that our police will find them and we will make sure that they are held accountable for their actions.”
A criminal charge is merely an allegation by the police 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.
