Massive Drug Bust in Ulster County Leads to 25 Arrests
A massive multi-agency police operation has resulted in 25 arrests after investigators spent weeks targeting suspected drug sales and other criminal activity in Ulster County, NY.
Massive Police Operation in Ulster County, NY
Multiple law enforcement agencies in Ulster County were busy over the last few months conducting an operation, dubbed “Operation Wrecking Ball”. The operation was carried out throughout July and August 2026 as police responded to growing complaints from residents about suspected drug activity and an increase in violent crime in the Village of Ellenville.
The investigation involved the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (U.R.G.E.N.T.), along with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, Ellenville Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
And when the operation was over, police say they had seized a pretty significant amount of drugs and weapons.
Drugs, Guns And Weapons Seized
According to the Ulster County Sheriff's Office, investigators seized approximately 42.3 grams of cocaine and 79.2 grams of crack cocaine during the operation. They also seized 18 units of assorted pharmaceutical controlled substances, two firearms, firearm parts, and three additional weapons, including two sets of brass knuckles and a billy club.
Investigators also executed three residential search warrants and four arrest warrants as part of the operation.
25 People Arrested in Ulster County
A total of 25 people were arrested in connection with the investigation.
Those arrested and released on appearance tickets included Joseph F. Russell, 50; Danielle Huffman, 43; Chrystal K. Spencer, 50; Michael J. Ortiz, 41; Darryl McFarlan, 48; Kelly Kiernan, 42; and Jonathan Guerrero, 40, all of Ellenville. Guerrero would ultimately be arrested multiple times during the operation; more on that below.
Katrine H. Schwab, 40, of Ellenville, was charged with Criminal Nuisance in the First Degree.
Todd C. Bowen, 25, of Red Hook, was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree.
Garrett R. Goodnough, 45, of Napanoch, was charged with multiple DWI-related offenses.
Denzel Jackson, 29, of Ellenville, was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the First Degree.
Several other Ulster County residents were arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Part Court and released on their own recognizance. That group included Shayla M. Mandiville, 37, of Kingston; Michael B. Coddington, 45, of Ellenville; Michael J. McGriff, 33, of Ellenville; Victor I. Pacheco, 45, of Ellenville; Shane Kenyon, 36, of Boiceville; Nicole Gangale, 41, of Ellenville; Angel Torres, 42, of Ellenville; and Joanna Richter, 51, of Ellenville.
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Several of those defendants are facing charges related to the alleged possession and sale of controlled substances.
Police say Guerrero was arrested a second time during the operation and faced additional charges including two counts each of Criminal Possession and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, along with Obstructing Governmental Administration and Harassment.
He was arrested for a third time and charged with additional drug offenses and Introducing Prison Contraband in the First Degree.
Three additional people were arraigned and remanded to the Ulster County Jail, including Quincy A. Mosby, 23, of Ulster, Stephen W. Drake, 36, of Ellenville, and Christopher J. Defabry, 41, of Napanoch.
Police also arrested Alexander Quick, 27, of Kerhonkson, who was extradited to Essex County on an arrest warrant charging him with Menacing in the Third Degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Environmental Conservation Firearm violations.
Police Say Operation Is Part Of Larger Crackdown
The Ulster County Sheriff's Office says the multi-agency operation allowed investigators to combine resources and intelligence from several different law enforcement agencies in an effort to identify people allegedly involved in drug activity and violent crime.
Police are encouraging anyone with information about suspected drug sales, violent crime, or other criminal activity to contact the Ulster County Sheriff's Office anonymous Crime Tip Line at 845-340-3599.
Officials also reminded residents that help is available for people struggling with substance use. The ORACLE hotline can be reached at 888-996-0940.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. If there has been a change to this information, such as charges being dropped or dismissed, please email me at CJ@HudsonValleyCountry.com to make the necessary change.
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