Town of Poughkeepsie Man Arrested Twice in Drug Investigation Amid Dutchess County Overdose Crisis

POUGHKEEPSIE, New York — A Town of Poughkeepsie man has been arrested twice during an ongoing narcotics investigation as Dutchess County continues responding to a recent surge in suspected overdoses.

The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force announced that 55-year-old Eugene Taylor, formerly of Beacon, is accused of selling cocaine from a residence on Woodcliff Avenue near Holy Trinity Elementary School.

According to investigators, the initial investigation involved numerous undercover purchases that led authorities to obtain a search warrant for Taylor’s residence. During the search, agents seized a large quantity of cocaine, packaging materials, scales, ammunition, and a shotgun that authorities said Taylor was prohibited from possessing under New York law.

Taylor was initially charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. Prosecutors said additional charges, including Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, are pending.

After Taylor was released, investigators allege they learned he was attempting to obtain additional narcotics to resume selling drugs. Authorities conducted another investigation involving undercover purchases before executing a second search warrant at his home with assistance from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit and the Poughkeepsie Joint SWAT Team.

During the second search, investigators said they recovered more cocaine packaged for sale, packaging materials, scales, ammunition, and cash. Taylor again faces charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, with additional charges pending.

The second arrest occurred during a public health emergency in Dutchess County, where officials reported 17 suspected overdoses within a 72-hour period, including two fatal overdoses. One of those deaths occurred in the Town of Poughkeepsie the day before Taylor’s second arrest.

Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi said drug trafficking near schools poses a significant threat to children, families, and the surrounding community.