Business

Ulster Sheriff Figueroa and U.R.G.E.N.T. Honored

Aug 21, 2024

Law enforcement dignitaries from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York, Eastern District of New York, NYC Sheriff’s Office, NYPD, DEA, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations.

On Friday, August 2, the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (U.R.G.E.N.T.) received the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Investigative Group of the Year Award.

The award was presented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo to Sheriff Juan Figueroa and members of (U.R.G.E.N.T.) during a ceremony held in New York City. The award highlighted U.R.G.E.N.T.’s outstanding performance and contributions to the mission of Homeland Security Investigations New York. The award further demonstrates the dedication and collaboration between U.R.G.E.N.T. and HSI – NY and the substantial strides that have been made in enhancing public safety and fostering a safer community.

Since 2007, U.R.G.E.N.T. has been committed to addressing the challenges posed by organized crime, gangs, narcotics, and firearms affecting our communities. HSI-NY has been a part of U.R.G.E.N.T. since its inception.

Pictured from left to right: New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda, New York City Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban, Drug Enforcement Administration New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino, New York State Police Superintendent Steve James, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa.

U.R.G.E.N.T. and HSI-NY have successfully seized illegal firearms, illicit drugs, arrested gang members and those linked to gang-related activities and drug trafficking organizations for nearly the past two decades. These actions have significantly disrupted criminal enterprises and reduced the availability of dangerous substances and firearms within our community. Some notable cases worked with HSI-NY these past few years are listed below:

2017 – Operation King of the Ville which resulted in 7 defendants being prosecuted and convicted federally. URGENT and HSI infiltrated a drug trafficking organization “DTO” in Ellenville. Operation of the Ville resulted in the seizure of approximately half a kilogram of cocaine and 120 grams of fentanyl.

2019 – Operation Co-Co which resulted in 3 defendants being prosecuted and convicted federally. URGENT and HSI infiltrated a drug trafficking organization “DTO” in Saugerties. Operation Co-Co resulted in the seizure of 5 kilograms of cocaine.

2020 – U.R.G.E.N.T. and HSI-NY arrested Timothy Schleede after an investigation into the sales of fentanyl in the Town of Ulster. U.R.G.E.N.T. and HSI-NY seized approximately 200 grams of fentanyl and a result of the investigation, Schleede was federally prosecuted and convicted.

2021 – Defendant Heberto Martinez, a Guatemalan citizen, was a member of a drug trafficking organization “DTO” based in Lynn, Massachusetts which was importing large amounts of fentanyl into Ulster County. Members of URGENT and HIS-NY infiltrated the DTO. Martinez was arrested which resulted in the seizure of 1.1 kilograms of fentanyl. Martinez was prosecuted and convicted federally.

2022 – Operation Blood Trinity resulted in 15 defendants being prosecuted federally. U.R.G.E.N.T. and HSI-NY infiltrated a drug trafficking organization “DTO” in Kingston, Ellenville, NYC, and the Country of Colombia. Operation Blood Trinity resulted in the seizure of 10 kilograms of cocaine, 5 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 ghost guns, 5 handguns.

U.R.G.E.N.T. remains committed to strengthening its partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, federal organizations, and community groups. These collaborations have been instrumental in sharing intelligence, coordinating operations, and implementing effective strategies to address gangs, narcotics, and violence in our communities.