D.A.: ‘Major Trafficker’ Sentenced to 13 Years for Role in Drug Organization

The efforts of an almost year-long drug investigation came to fruition on Thursday when a man identified as a "major trafficker" in a local drug ring was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Earl O. Melvin, also known as "Bugs," had pleaded guilty to the charges in November before being sentenced by Judge Craig Stephen Brown. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler said Melvin admitted being involved in the organization, which sold heroin in Newburgh. Melvin was also sentenced to 5 years of post release supervision and to pay $17,000 in restitution and forfeiture.

Prior to pleading guilty, Melvin had been charged by a grand jury with directing the organization which distributed heroin in Newburgh and the local area from June 7, 2015 through at least June 7, 2016. Heroin sales during that time were estimated to be around $75,000, with Melvin not only directing the sales, but also storing and selling the drugs as well.

The investigation into the case included wiretaps and other surveillance methods with help from the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), as well as the City of Newburgh Police Department and the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Search warrants resulted in more than 20 arrests with more than 56 grams of unpackaged heroin, 1000 individual packages of heroin, and 28 grams of cocaine being recovered. The total value of seized drugs was estimated at more than $18,000. In addition to the narcotics the warrants also recouped $8000, scales, packaging materials, cutting agents, and a loaded .45 caliber Highpoint pistol.

Hoovler thanked the Newburgh Police Department for their efforts in the case and "highly commended" CNET for their work "given the complexity of the case."