In a number of investigations, eight Hudson Valley residents were arrested on prostitution or drug charges. One was wanted for violating parole.

On Thursday, members of the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (U.R.G.E.N.T.) arrested five people after an undercover operation in the Town of Lloyd.

Christopher A. Casholle, 25, of Highland, 25-year-old Ellen P. Archer of Saugerties, 23-year-old Stephanie A. Quinn of Kingston and 39-year-old Frank A. Simone of Peeksill were all charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.

Quinn additionally received a misdemeanor charge for prostitution. Simone for promoting prostitution.

Morgan A. Mische, 26, of Highland was charged with prostitution, a misdemeanor.

All were released on an appearance ticket.

On Saturday, 29-year-old Kasheem T. Smith of Kingston was allegedly found to be in possession of 3.5 ounces of cocaine, during a traffic stop.

Smith was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony. He was remanded to the Ulster County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash or $50,000 secured bond.

On May 30, during a traffic stop, 25-year-old Sebastian E. Avilan-Medina of Middletown was found with five ounces of concentrated cannabis oil, police say.

Avilan-Medina was charged with two-counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, felonies. He was remanded to the Ulster County Jail, in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 secured bond.

On Thursday, police allegedly observed 27-year-old William Bennett complete a drug deal in the City of Kingston.

Bennett was charged with criminal sale of marijuana, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, all misdemeanors, as well as the violation of unlawful possession of marijuana.

At the time of his arrest Bennett was wanted for violating his parole, police say. He was remanded to the Ulster County Jail without bail on his parole warrant.

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