Sheriff Figueroa and URGENT Agents Honored by Homeland Security

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

NEW YORK – The Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT) and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa were recognized last week by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the New York Investigative Group of the Year Award. The award was presented to Figueroa and URGENT members by HSI Special Agent In Charge Ivan Arvelo on Friday, August 2, in New York City.

The award recognized URGENT’s outstanding achievements and contributions to the mission of Homeland Security Investigations New York. The award further demonstrates the dedication and partnership between URGENT and HSI–NY and the significant strides made in improving public safety and fostering a safer community, Sheriff Figueroa said.

“Being recognized as the Investigative Group of the Year by Homeland Security Special Agent In Charge NY, Ivan Arvelo, is truly an honor and a testament to the partnership of federal and local law enforcement. The proximity of New York City and the pipeline of narcotics and organized crime to the Hudson Valley can only be investigated by a team. I am proud of the members of URGENT and the long investigative hours they put into protecting our community,” the sheriff said.

Since 2007, URGENT has been committed to addressing the challenges of organized crime, gangs, drugs and firearms that affect our communities. HSI-NY has been part of URGENT since its inception.

URGENT and HSI-NY have successfully seized illegal firearms and drugs and arrested gang members and individuals associated with gang-related activities and drug trafficking organizations since they were established. These actions have significantly disrupted criminal enterprises and reduced the availability of dangerous substances and firearms in Ulster County, the sheriff said.

Below are some notable cases that HSI-NY has worked on over the years:

2017 – Operation King of the Ville which resulted in the prosecution and conviction of seven suspects at the federal level. URGENT and HSI infiltrated the drug trafficking organization “DTO” in Ellenville. Operation King of the Ville resulted in the seizure of approximately one pound of cocaine and 120 grams of fentanyl.

2019 – Operation Co-Co which resulted in the prosecution and conviction of 3 suspects at the federal level. URGENT and HSI infiltrated a drug trafficking organization “DTO” in Saugerties. Operation Co-Co resulted in the seizure of 5 kilograms of cocaine.

2020 – URGENT and HSI-NY arrested Timothy Schleede following an investigation into the sale of fentanyl in the city of Ulster. URGENT and HSI-NY seized approximately 200 grams of fentanyl and as a result of the investigation, Schleede was federally prosecuted and convicted.

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

2022 – Operation Blood Trinity resulted in the federal prosecution of 15 suspects. URGENT and HSI-NY infiltrated the 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, two ghost guns and five handguns.

URGENT remains committed to strengthening its partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, federal organizations and community groups, Sheriff Figueroa said. “These collaborations have been instrumental in sharing intelligence, coordinating operations and implementing effective strategies to address gangs, narcotics and violence in our communities.”