A drug counselor at a New York State rehab facility sold crack cocaine on "multiple occasions" to undercover agents.

Alleged Dealer Operated in Dutchess County, Arrested After Multiple Undercover Sales

A drug counselor at a New York State rehabilitation facility was arrested Tuesday evening after selling crack cocaine to undercover agents on multiple occasions. Alvin Lewis, 54, was taken into custody on felony narcotics charges following a months-long investigation in Dutchess County. The arrest came after tips from the public prompted authorities to probe his activities.

Alvin Lewis, Dutchess County Sheriff's Office
Alvin J Lewis Jr. - Dutchess County Sheriff's Office
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Investigators Link Lewis to Drug Sales and Rehab Work

The arrest came after concerned citizens alerted law enforcement to a man selling narcotics under multiple aliases in the area. The Dutchess County Drug Task Force launched an investigation into Lewis, eventually confirming that he had sold crack cocaine to undercover officers on several occasions. Detective Sergeant Adam Harris noted that the investigation revealed Lewis’s dual role: working as a counselor at a rehabilitation center while operating as a narcotic dealer in the community.

A Search of Lewis’s Home Uncovers More Drugs, No Records Found for His Credentials

The operation reached its climax Tuesday night when Lewis was stopped by authorities in Fishkill. Officers executed a search warrant at his Wappingers Falls residence, uncovering crack cocaine packaged for sale. The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Emergency Service Unit (SWAT) assisted with the arrest and home search. Lewis was arraigned in Wappingers Falls Court and remanded to Dutchess County Jail without bail. Additional charges are expected in the coming days.

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The arrest has prompted criticism and calls for stricter hiring practices, particularly for roles involving trust and care. “Employers need to vet employees before hiring for positions like this. FBI checks should be required,” one local resident commented on social media. Another added, “Taking advantage of people at their most vulnerable should be prosecuted at the highest level. Great job to the task force for exposing this.”

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Gallery Credit: Karen Johanson

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