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Ulster County NY Drug Bust: Multiple Defendants Sentenced, More Awaiting Judgment

UTICA, N.Y. – Justin Torres, 37, of Ellenville, New York, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. He will also serve a 3-year term of supervised release and pay a $5,000 fine.

Federal prosecutors say Torres admitted to distributing about 580 grams of cocaine and 200 grams of fentanyl as part of a larger drug conspiracy in Ulster County. He is one of 11 defendants charged in the case.

Sentences for Co-Defendants

  • Joshuan Atkinson – 156 months in prison, 5 years supervised release

  • Christopher Baez – 71 months in prison, 5 years supervised release

  • Michael Herry – 27 months in prison, 3 years supervised release

  • Daryl Livingston – 24 months in prison, 3 years supervised release

  • Joshua Morales – scheduled for sentencing on December 3, 2025

  • Joseph Logan – scheduled for sentencing on November 19, 2025

  • Timothy Hutcherson – scheduled for sentencing on December 17, 2025

Officials Speak Out

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said the case shows the importance of federal and local cooperation in dismantling drug trafficking organizations. He also strongly criticized New York’s cashless bail law, calling it “reckless and dangerous.”

Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, said the case cut off a narcotics pipeline before more drugs could reach communities.

Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa praised the collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, noting the link between drug trafficking and rising crime.

Investigation Details

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT), New York State Police, the Village of Ellenville Police Department, and the White Plains Police Department, with help from the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda prosecuted the case.

This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, a national program targeting high-level drug trafficking organizations.

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