Posted on: October 20, 2026 10:30 AM

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Joint narcotics investigation results in 11 arrests in Newburgh

On October 13, 2026, a joint investigation involving the New York State Police, FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, City of Newburgh Police Department and Town of New Windsor Police Department resulted in the arrests of 11 individuals on federal or state felony drug charges.

The investigation began in 2025 and focused on suspected narcotics distribution in the city of Newburgh. State Police participants included the Troop F Violent Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET) and Community Stabilization Unit (CSU).

Federal charges

Eight individuals were charged federally with conspiracy to distribute narcotics:

Maurice O. Owens, 48, of Rock Tavern

Shaka Eggleston, 28, of Newburgh

Troy Smith, 57, of Cornwall

Robert Morganfield, 57, of Newburgh

Houston Brown, 31, of New Windsor

Walter Herring, 45, of Newburgh

Jason D. Lowe, 39, of Newburgh

James T. Hayes, 56, of Newburgh

According to the federal indictment and statements made in public court proceedings, the eight defendants allegedly participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine near West Parmenter Street in Newburgh. Investigators conducted more than 60 controlled purchases during the investigation.

All eight defendants were taken into custody on October 13, 2026, and arraigned in federal court in White Plains on October 14, 2026.

Additional information about the federal case is available in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York release.

State charges:

Three additional individuals were arrested on state charges:

Tyrone C. Gantt, 44, of Newburgh, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, both class B felonies. Gantt was arraigned in City of Newburgh Court and remanded to Orange County Jail.

Jahlil King, 27, of Newburgh, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, both class B felonies. King was arraigned in Town of Goshen Court and remanded to Orange County Jail.

Royan A. Brown, 28, of Newburgh, was charged with two counts each of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, all class B felonies. Brown was arraigned in Town of Goshen Court and released on his own recognizance.

“This investigation reflects the sustained work of our investigators and the strong partnerships among our federal, state and local agencies,” said Captain Brad D. Natalizio of the New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation. “I commend everyone involved for their professionalism and dedication to addressing narcotics distribution in Newburgh.”

From NYSP