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Seven Arrested After Haverstraw Police Execute Search Warrants in Narcotics Investigation

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HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. — The Haverstraw Police Department executed two search warrants at residences within the Village of Haverstraw during the early morning hours of February 11, 2026, resulting in seven arrests.

Police said all individuals located at the residences were taken into custody without incident.

Authorities reported recovering a significant quantity of narcotics along with packaging materials consistent with the sale and distribution of controlled substances.

The following individuals were charged:

  • Henry Villegas, 40, of Haverstraw: Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia (2nd Degree); Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (7th Degree)

  • Claudio Santana, 42, of Haverstraw: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (7th Degree); Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia (2nd Degree)

  • Richard O. Estrella, 35, of Garnerville: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts)

  • Vanessa Quezada, 33, of Garnerville: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts)

  • Monica E. Avila, 35, of Nanuet: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts)

  • Dahon D. Alston, 26, of Haverstraw: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts)

  • Christian E. Minaya, 31, of Garnerville: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts)

The investigation was led by the Haverstraw Police Department Special Operations Unit, with assistance from the department’s Detective Bureau and Patrol Division.

“These arrests are the result of a coordinated, focused investigation targeting the distribution of dangerous narcotics within our community,” said Chief John Gould Jr. “We will continue to take proactive measures to identify and dismantle drug trafficking operations that threaten the safety and quality of life of our residents.”

Assisting agencies included the New York State Police, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force–Westchester, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Rockland County REACT Team, and the Rockland County Intelligence Center.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Two Arrested in Orangetown Package Scam Involving $43K in Fraud Losses

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ORANGETOWN, N.Y. — Detectives with the Orangetown Police Department arrested two men after intercepting a suspected fraud scheme that funneled tens of thousands of dollars in cash to a vacant residence in Tappan, authorities said.

Police said the investigation began on April 28, 2026, when a man from Utah reported that his wife had been scammed out of $6,700 through a bank account scheme. Authorities determined the money had been sent via a package delivery service to an unoccupied home in the Tappan section of Town of Orangetown.

Detectives conducting surveillance observed two individuals retrieve three packages from the residence before attempting to leave the area. Officers stopped the pair and recovered the parcels, which investigators say were tied to three separate fraud cases across the country.

According to police:

  • One package contained $6,700 linked to a bank scam involving a victim in Utah
  • A second package contained $12,500 connected to a computer virus scam targeting a victim in Illinois
  • A third package contained $24,500 associated with an FBI impersonation and identity theft scam involving a victim in Colorado

Authorities identified the suspects as Tian Quan Xie, 20, of Brooklyn, and Wei Ping Sun, 39, of Queens. Both were charged with third-degree grand larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, each classified as felonies under New York law.

The suspects were arraigned in Orangetown Justice Court and released pending a return court date of May 18, 2026.

The Orangetown Police Department’s Detective Bureau credited the Rockland County Intelligence Unit for its assistance in the investigation.

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Crime

Article Update : Spring Valley Man Charged After Haverstraw Officer Struck by Vehicle

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Authorities have identified and charged a suspect in connection with an incident in which a police officer was struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop in the Village of Haverstraw.

According to the Town of Haverstraw Police Department, Peter Theus, 34, of Spring Valley, has been charged with second-degree assault, third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, and second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

Police said Theus was arraigned in the Village of Haverstraw Justice Court and remanded to the Rockland County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail set at $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, or $300,000 partially secured bond.

The charges stem from a traffic stop incident in which an officer was struck by a fleeing vehicle. The injured officer was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Officials emphasized that the charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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